Frankfurt is accelerating the shift to cleaner urban transport as Frankfurt Waste Management and Service GmbH (FES) adds ten more Mercedes-Benz eEconic trucks to its growing zero-emission fleet.
The latest order increases the total number of battery-electric low-entry vehicles in operation to 34, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management.
Scaling Up Urban Electrification
The new eEconic units will be deployed across multiple municipal services, including waste collection and urban cleaning. Operating daily between Frankfurt’s busy city centre, residential neighbourhoods and the River Main, these electric trucks are designed to handle the challenges of dense urban environments.
FES, one of the largest municipal waste management providers in the Rhine-Main region, continues to expand its electric fleet following successful real-world trials that began in 2022. The consistent rollout highlights a long-term strategy focused on reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Built for Demanding City Conditions
Urban waste collection presents unique challenges—tight streets, heavy traffic and early-morning routes alongside cyclists and pedestrians. The eEconic addresses these with a low-entry cab design that simplifies frequent stops and improves driver ergonomics. A panoramic windscreen enhances visibility, contributing to safer operation in crowded city environments.
The trucks are also notably quiet, a key advantage for residential areas during early hours. Reduced noise levels benefit both operators and residents, supporting more community-friendly waste collection.
Battery Performance and Real-World Efficiency
Each eEconic is equipped with three battery packs, delivering a total installed capacity of 336 kWh and a usable capacity of approximately 291 kWh. This setup enables most daily collection routes to be completed without the need for intermediate charging.
Efficiency is further enhanced through regenerative braking, a critical feature for stop-and-go urban driving. By recovering energy during braking, the system extends operational range and improves overall energy use. Even after demanding shifts, vehicles typically retain enough charge to return to the depot comfortably.
Drivers are supported by the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive, which provides real-time data on battery status, energy consumption and remaining range—helping optimise driving efficiency throughout the day.
Infrastructure Expansion Supports Growth
Alongside fleet expansion, FES is investing in charging infrastructure across multiple locations in Frankfurt. The continued rollout of charging points ensures that the growing number of electric trucks can be efficiently integrated into daily operations.
This dual approach—expanding both vehicles and infrastructure—positions FES to accelerate its transition to a fully electrified municipal fleet in the coming years.
A Model for Sustainable Cities
Frankfurt’s ongoing investment in electric waste collection demonstrates how cities can reduce emissions without compromising service reliability. With the addition of more eEconic trucks, FES strengthens its role as a leader in sustainable urban operations, setting a benchmark for other municipalities across Europe.
