The city of Mobile has taken another step toward electrifying public services in the region, announcing its purchase of a battery-electric truck for its sanitation fleet – the first in the state.

The city and Mack Trucks recently showed off the vehicle model during a ceremony and demonstration. The city is expected to take delivery of an identical Mack LR Electric vehicle soon.

“We are very excited about taking ownership of this vehicle,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “This is more than just a first-generation electric truck for us. This vehicle gives us flexibility and allows us to start to explore what we will eventually do in terms of powering our entire fleet of garbage trucks in the city of Mobile.”

Stimpson told Truckinginfo.com that the purchase was made possible in part through a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The grant includes evaluating how the truck operates in real-world conditions.

The mayor praised Alabama Power, which has been supporting the city’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Alabama Power’s Mobile-based team has been helping the city identify appropriate locations for EV charging stations and providing guidance in installing the equipment.

“We were one of few cities able to obtain an ADECA grant of this magnitude. So, this evaluation project is really a joint partnership with the city of Mobile, ADECA and our friends at Alabama Power Company,” Stimpson said.

Patrick Murphy, Alabama Power’s Mobile Division vice president, said, “It is exciting to see the city of Mobile leading the way with the state’s first electric garbage truck. I appreciate the support and teamwork of our local Marketing team as they worked with the city on this project. We hope to see many more electric vehicles in the city of Mobile fleet.”

Also attending the event was Mack Truck representative Dana Counts. He told Truckinginfo.com that Mack Truck has developed an online tool for users, and those interested in the technology, to monitor and track vehicle performance.

“The city wants to electrify and transform into a sustainable, green city,” Counts said. “They’ve already done that downtown, as evidenced by multiple charging stations that have been installed for passenger vehicles.”

Stimpson said the city plans to seek additional grants to add more charging stations, as part of a comprehensive electric vehicle plan.

To learn more about ADECA and its electric vehicle charging infrastructure program, click here. Learn more about Alabama Power’s involvement in electric transportation here.

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