Visalia City Council
June 15, 2026

Solid Waste Electric Truck Pilot

visalia.gov
Why electrify?The State of California and the California Air Resources Board have mandated that State and local agencies begin converting their heavy-duty fleets to zero emission starting 2024.CNG does not qualify as meeting the regulations. This leaves electric as the only alternative, as hydrogen fuel cell trucks are still not available.A pilot electric vehicle will assist staff in getting real world data on the new technology, specific to the City of Visalia over an extended period of time.There are now enough users of electric trucks to obtain good references and information.

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Research Process and Information Gathering OverviewStaff researched and demo’ed viable solid waste trucks from various manufacturers and configurations. This included ensuring the Transit charging station was compatible, and also included the Fleet Department for servicing and maintenance questions.After selecting a preferred manufacturer for viability and experience, staff collected testimonials and researched current operators of the selected truck within, and outside, California.After ensuring that the truck was a operationally viable alternative for a current CNG truck, staff compiled data and cost figures, including initial quotes, to determine the lifetime cost of an electric truck versus the City’s current CNG platform. visalia.gov
Trucks ConsideredTrucks that Staff considered and their general operating specifications:
*extra legal weight capacity capable on electric trucks due to tag axle (except Battle Motors) Mack LR Electric Peterbilt 520EV Battle MotorsMcNeilus VolterraCNG ComparableElectric Battery Capacity334 kWh 400 kWh 400kWh498 kWhN/ABattery TypeLithium-Ion Lithium-Iron Phosphate Lithium-Iron PhosphateLithium-IonN/ARange 100 miles 150 miles 210 miles150 miles150 milesGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)72,000 lbs 77,020 lbs 66,000 lbs66,000 lbs60,000 lbsMaximum Legal Weight (CA)59,500 lbs 59,500 lbs 57,500 lbs59,500 lbs51,500 lbsPayload16,500 lbs 17,060 lbs 17,340 lbs19,280 lbs14,400 lbsCharging (@150kW)2 hours 3-4 hours 3 hours4 hoursN/ACapacity28 cubic yards 28 cubic yards 28 and 31 yard options31 cubic yards28 cubic yards visalia.gov
Staff Selection CriteriaMack LR Electric –Battery capacity and range was not desirable. Peterbilt 520EV –Was a viable truck, but seemed to perform with less battery efficiency compared to alternative. Was able to complete route as needed. Not many on the road or sold.Battle Motors –Not enough experience (sales in CA) outside of demo that warranted comparison.McNeilus Volterra –Was a viable truck that seemed to check off all operational needs, with the best range and turning radius. Was able to complete route as needed. Many operators throughout California for references. visalia.gov
Staff Selection – McNeilus VolterraLocal McNeilus dealer is located in Tulare, CA.Able to service and provide warranty work locally.Two options available:New truck, ordered through the Sourcewell CooperativeDemo Truck, also available through the Sourcewell Cooperative (due to mileage being less than 3,500. (Current mileage is 1,721)*Demo Truck is also still grant eligible as verified through the Air Resources Board. visalia.gov
McNeilus Volterra ConsiderationsKnowing the cost of an electric alternative to CNG would have a higher up-front cost, staff considered what grant options were available to bridge the cost gap.In addition, staff considered the lifetime cost of owning an electric truck versus a CNG model to determine if any cost savings are anticipated due to the difference in fuel and maintenance needs.

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Lifetime Cost Comparison: Electric vs. CNGElectric AdvantagesLower estimated repairsLower estimated maintenanceLower estimated cost of fuel (charge)Electric DrawbacksHigher up-front capital costPossible unknowns due to experiencePossible repair delays

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General Assumptions for ComparisonCNG Truck210 working days per year10-year life90 miles average per day, per routeNo Air Board IncentivesElectric Truck210 working days per year10-year life90 miles average per day, per routeAir Board Incentives (HVIP , Truck Replacement Program)

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Assumptions for ComparisonCNG TruckCNG fuel - $1.61/gal (current price) CNG Fuel Use – 45 DGE per day (60% of max 75 DGE)Repairs and Maintenance based on 10-year actual averagesElectric TruckElectricity - $0.22/kWh (off-peak)50% battery use per day (249 kWh)Repairs at a factor of 73.11% of CNGMaintenance at a factor of 50% of CNG **based on operator 2-year actuals

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10-year Total Cost Comparison versus CNG
* Potential to stack an additional $120,832 Air Board Grant, if qualified after purchase. 10-year Electric VS C NG C omparisonCNG Electric Demo Electric NewPurchase Price $527,371.08 $848,035.38 $931,171.35Initial C harger $0.00 $28,333.20 $28,333.20Grant Dollars HVIP $0.00($150,000.00) ($150,000.00)Total Purchase Price (including tax) $527,371.08 $726,368.58 $809,504.55Estimated Repairs (related to Parts & Labor) $285,919.67 $209,035.87 $209,035.87Estimated Preventative Maintenance $38,082.29 $19,041.14 $19,041.14Estimated Fuel $152,433.44 $114,478.50 $114,478.50Total Cost of Ownership (Annual) $1,003,806.48 $1,068,924.09 $1,152,060.06 visalia.gov
10-year Total Repair and Mtc Cost Comparison vs CNG

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Additional Purchase RequirementsMaintenance RequirementsPPE required for servicing electric vehiclesGeneral safety equipment for the Fleet department related to high electric current (barricades, etc.)Additional specialized high voltage training (included in purchase)Charging Backup Solutions/OpportunitiesInitial Charger (Backup)Future Solar Consideration