The City of Orlando has added its first all-electric Class 8 truck to its fleet — an all-electric Orange EV terminal tractor to be used at the water reclamation plant. In addition, it has acquired an additional 30 compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse trucks and expanded its CNG time-fill station from 42 to 72 ports. These changes are helping the city move closer to its goal of running city fleet vehicles on 100% renewable sources by 2030.

The city paid $250,000 for the electric truck, in comparison to $189,000 for its last diesel “yard dog.” However, Jonathan Ford, CAFS, fleet manager for the city, said he expects operating costs to be 60-90% lower than operating a diesel vehicle due to savings in fuel, maintenance, and diesel particulate filter costs.

Ford added that staff members wanted a smaller platform and a tighter turning radius, which the EV provides. It also has an extending fifth wheel to lift the trailer higher so operators don’t have to lift the landing gear manually, which “allows us to have a one-man operation instead of two-man,” he said.

With the 30 new CNG trucks that are being placed in service, almost the entire fleet of refuse trucks is running on CNG — only two diesel refuse trucks remain.

Mayor Buddy Dyer and staff members from the Fleet and Facilities Division showed off and tested out the new truck on Feb. 22, at an event that also included a tour of CNG station.