The first and only all-electric garbage truck in North America gets rolling in Chicago, working on residential refuse and recycling routes.
According to a recent press release from Motiv Power Systems, the company producing the electric powered garbage trucks, Chicago is the first city in North America to employ an Electric Refuse Vehicle (ERV). The city of Chicago is estimated to save 2,688 gallons a year through this switch by running the ERV along routes of up to 60 miles.
David Reynolds, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management, reported that the "City in a Garden is proud to be home to North America's first all-electric refuse and recycling truck, and we look forward to examining how this truck can boost efficiency, reduce emissions and save tax payer dollars in the future."
The ERV was built with specifications according to the city of Chicago, including a "60 mile range, a payload capacity of nine tons and 1000 pounds per cubic yard of compaction... To supply enough electricity to move the truck and power the hydraulics all day, the ERV is equipped with 200 kilowatt-hours of energy, in ten battery packs. Full charge time is 8 hours using the Motiv Universal Fast Charger."
Chicago Readies Region for EV Charging
Chicago-area municipalities can take advantage of a new grant program to prepare their infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Electric ‘Jitneys’ Seek to Close Last-Mile Gaps
Two companies focusing on hyper-local trips want to bring more transit and services within reach of Chicago’s underserved Black neighborhoods.
Chicago Plans Electric Vehicle Charging Network
The city of Chicago is planning to build a network of 280 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city by the end of the year.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont