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Peace and quiet
on the route.

Mainz opted for the eEconic for its disposal operations.

Waste management is changing - and the Mainz region is leading the way. The city is resolutely driving forward the switch to electric mobility with the use of  cutting-edge electric commercial vehicles. The municipal waste management company serves almost 500,000 inhabitants, of which around 250,000 live in the urban area. With the Mercedes-Benz eEconic, the city of Mainz is not only reducing emissions, but also noticeably changing its staff's everyday operations. In so doing, it shows what local CO2e-free waste disposal looks like.

A typical morning. Only quieter.

The shift for staff in the operational business starts early: the team meets directly at the vehicle at exactly 6:30 a.m., while the dispatch manager collects any complaints or special orders. In the meantime, the driver carries out the mandatory departure check before the crew sets out on their route. The impact of the first electric vehicle when it was put into operation is still felt by many, with it being described as “Amazingly quiet!” - something which residents are happy about, too.

For the driver, the electric drive means a small but important change: they now have to keep an eye on the battery level at all times. However, this is usually not a problem, as the vehicles currently in use have a battery charge that is sufficient for about two working days.1

Audible relief.

In addition to the easy handling and pleasant driving experience, what particularly stands out in everyday life is the fact that the noise level has been reduced to a minimum. This is not only a plus for the environment, but above all for the team itself. Noise exposure for employees is significantly reduced. The loader at the rear can now dialogue with their colleagues without having to shout over background noise. And a calmer tone of voice creates noticeably less stress during demanding work.

The quietness of the vehicles is appreciated when they're out on the road, too. Opinions of local residents on the electric collection vehicle are almost exclusively positive. Sometimes, however, the newly emerged peace and quiet leads to amusing encounters: occasionally, a resident jokingly tells the team that they can't put their bins out last minute any more because they can no longer hear when the team is coming!

At the same time, the low noise level requires an adapted driving style in everyday work: in busy areas or pedestrian zones, bystanders notice the quiet vehicle less. As a result, special attention is required from the crew. The Econic’s sophisticated safety assistance systems can provide additional support.

In addition, the vehicle’s ergonomic concepts pay off: the low seating position makes the constant getting in and out much easier, while the drivers always have an excellent view of what is happening.

Driving the eEconic is much more pleasant.

Dennis Rivera Villar, professional driver, KAW Mainz

A win for fleet and drivers alike.

For the Mainz-based company, one thing is certain: the move towards alternative drive systems is the right way to future-proof the fleet and minimise emissions on the ground. As part of a large-scale fleet conversion project funded by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate with around EUR 4.6 million, the city is integrating a total of 16 new electric vehicles – including six all-electric refuse collection vehicles.

Therefore, the verdict reached every day on the ground is clear: when it comes to the demanding everyday disposal operations, the significantly lower noise levels and excellent handling of the eEconic are its biggest plus points. It's a modern workplace that shows just how comfortable and quiet today's municipal waste management can be.

1 The specified range is provisional and has been determined on the basis of an internal simulation tool assuming optimum conditions, including with 3 new battery packs after preconditioning in a partially loaded state in inner-city refuse collection operations (VECTO Municipal Cycle up to 100 km) or in mixed refuse collection operations (combined VECTO Municipal Cycle, VECTO Regional Delivery and VECTO Urban Delivery Cycle up to 150 km) at an outside temperature of 20 °C, and may deviate from the values determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2400. Among other things, the actual range depends heavily on how the vehicle is driven, usage profile and type of body.

Relevant product information

Show all digital product information

The eEconic.

Powerful, efficient and locally locally CO2e-free with fully battery-electric drive.

The Econic.

Wows with its power, efficiency and safety.

Econic Municipal.

Relieving the burden on municipal employees as well as the air quality in emission-polluted zones – the Econic in municipal use.