Innsbruck municipal operations are starting a quiet revolution with the eEconic.

Innsbruck combines tradition and modernity: Alpine beauty meets pioneering technology. The city is taking a significant step towards sustainability with the eEconic from Daimler Truck. The team led by Markus Fracaro, Head of the Innsbruck Kommunalbetriebe (IKB - municipal operations), successfully introduced the all-electric eEconic 300 into their day-to-day operations.

The top truck on the road.

Austrian waste collectors start their day early. The drivers and collectors meet at 5.30 a.m. to prepare for their routes. Shortly afterwards, the five-member team of the eEconic leaves the depot. Thanks to electronically optimised collection routes, they can largely avoid rush-hour traffic. Markus Fracaro explains: "By completing a large part of our work before rush hour, we avoid commuters and don't hinder pupils on their way to school."

Almost invisible.

The collection vehicle is emptied for the first time in the morning. After a second visit to the disposal site at 1 p.m., the crew and the eEconic call it a day. They collect the remarkable amount of around 20 tonnes of residual waste every day. Thanks to smart planning and the quiet driving style, IKB achieves its stated goal, as described by Markus Fracaro: “With the eEconic, we can make waste collection almost invisible to citizens.”

Charging downhill.

Conversely, the outstanding performance of the eEconic is clearly visible. The truck’s recuperation function is perfect for Innsbruck, which features higher-lying districts and mountainous surroundings. “When driving downhill, we can make up time and recover energy at the same time, which extends our range”, says Markus Fracaro enthusiastically.

A tank full of sun.

Power flows directly into the eEconic from the in-house solar power system. The photovoltaic system on the roof of IKB plays an important role in the power supply. At the end of the collection day, the Austrian midday sun flows directly into the eEconic and gets it one hundred per cent ready for use the next morning.

With the eEconic, we can make waste collection almost invisible to citizens.

Markus Fracaro, Head of Waste Collection, Innsbruck municipal operations

The excellent performance of the eEconic has made switching from the conventional diesel vehicle to an emission-free truck easy not only for the decision-makers, but has also completely convinced the crew. Their driver Martin Haller never wants to collect waste any other way than quietly and without exhaust gases. He sings the praises of the vehicle for use in everyday working life: “I’m totally surprised and enthusiastic. The eEconic is significantly quieter to drive and less tiring to operate for the team in the rear. It’s quieter, more environmentally friendly and the field of vision is also much larger.”

What makes the new eEconic so special?

Find out more about the vehicle features and technical data of this all-electric commercial vehicle.

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The all-round good visibility through the panoramic window offers an enormous safety advantage in the hectic chaos of everyday traffic, and the electric truck also boasts other innovative safety features: Frontguard Assist, Sideguard Assist 2, the camera systems and Active Brake Assist 5 make travelling safer for all road users, especially in inner-city areas where cyclists and pedestrians are on the road.

The future of waste collection.

The Innsbruck fleet comprises 30 trucks. It already mainly consists of Daimler Truck vehicles – and the number is rising. This is supported not only by the excellent service provided by the local Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks partner, Auer GmbH, but also by the desire to further electrify the fleet – with the right manufacturer at its side and a clear vision for the future.

The national federal subsidy also contributes to this vision, as it subsidises 80% of the difference between diesel-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. This is also why the Innsbruck eEconic will be joined by at least three new all-electric colleagues from Daimler Truck by the end of 2025.