The 100% electric waste collection vehicle from Quantron AG with low-entry cab and HS rear loader is successfully on the road in practical use

The future of waste collection with commercial vehicles is 100% electric. At Quantron AG, the Gersthofen-based specialist for the electrification of commercial vehicles, the future of e-mobility has already taken shape. Since mid-May, the first fully electrified waste collection vehicle has been available for the collection of waste containers of various categories and fractions. The application and definition of use do not differ from conventional diesel-powered vehicles used so far. Household waste, industrial waste or bio-waste in 120/240 litre containers or 1100 litre containers can be collected without any restrictions as before.

Chassis of the Quantron e-Econic QHB 27-280

The basic chassis, an Econic 6×2, wheelbase 3900/1350 mm with trailing axle and high roof cab was electrified and equipped with an electric AC motor with 350 kW and 3500 Nm torque instead of the diesel drive. With the appropriate drive configuration >> rear axle ratio – tyres – e-motor characteristic << the e-drive is application-oriented and thus optimally designed to achieve the best performance with maximum economy. Equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which have a total capacity of 280 kWh, a 9-hour intensive collection tour with a collection volume of up to 800 containers (120 litres) depending on the topography can be easily achieved.

Design of the Quantron e-Econic QHB 27-280

The special rear loader pressed waste body, an Olympus with OmniDEKAe discharge from HS Fahrzeugbau is electrified in the press shop hydraulics as well as in the discharge hydraulics. In the bulk area, the drive runs in the low-voltage range with 24 volts direct current and in the pressing plant with high-voltage, whereby only the hydraulic drive is electrified and is thus designed to be robust and durable for the user.

Practical test at a waste disposal company

In order to test the practical suitability of the vehicle, the Quantron e-Econic QHB 27-280 was extensively tested at the Fisel company, a waste disposal company from Dillingen. For this purpose, the vehicle was used within the existing fleet without restrictions for one week, just like any other collection vehicle. Within three days of operation, approx. 2000 120-litre bio-waste containers were collected without any application problems. On all test days, after 7 to 9 hours of daily collection, there was still sufficient residual energy (approx. 20 to over 30%) in the vehicle battery, even for distances up to approx. 84 km/day. For recharging the traction battery, only a 63A three-phase current house connection with continuous load capacity was necessary. Overnight recharging up to the maximum level of the lithium-ion battery took place without any problems.

Test results at a glance

After the test week, the Quantron AG product managers joined the owner of the Fisel company, his fleet manager and the loading personnel to reflect on the test week and the impressions gained regarding the Quantron e-Econic QHB 27-280. Above all, the quiet and pleasant use and operation were rated very highly by residents and operating personnel in the test. The e-drive produces no exhaust fumes and therefore no emissions for the loading personnel. In terms of functionality, no differences were found compared to a diesel drive. The very good starting characteristics also stood out in the test. The driving characteristics in both empty and loaded condition were also assessed as very good and are comparable to those of a diesel vehicle.