Mercedes eEconic truck (REMONDIS Australia trial)
REMONDIS Australia is taking further steps towards fleet decarbonisation by trialling the latest battery-electric zero-exhaust-emission technology from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
REMONDIS put the Mercedes-Benz eEconic 6×2 model truck through commercial waste collection trials in Brisbane during August 2026.
The eEconic utilises lithium-ion batteries that power electric motors in the drive axle. The unique “e-axle” design is a significant technological advancement, eliminating the need for a traditional driveshaft, resulting in zero exhaust emissions and near-silent operation.
The eEconic truck also has energy recovery braking that increases efficiency and journey longevity, making it ideal for stop-and-go urban driving.
eEconic trucks have been used across Europe in recent years. The Australian trial model has been designed and built to comply with local truck mass and dimension requirements.
“REMONDIS, our parent company RETHMANN, and Mercedes-Benz are all iconic German brands, and our long relationships are behind this opportunity coming together,” REMONDIS Australia CEO and Managing Director Björn Becker said.
“We’ve used Mercedes-Benz trucks globally, including in Australia, for many years.
“It’s a natural progression that REMONDIS would be first to trial eEconic technology on Australian roads.
“Modern waste management is all about circular economy outcomes, and fleet operation is a big part of that.
“Given that we operate 600 waste collection trucks across Australia, there’s significant scope and appetite for us to cut emissions more broadly, be it through electric, hydrogen or hybrid technology.
“We’re working with multiple truck suppliers and other stakeholders to progress that journey.”
REMONDIS Australia Technical Executive General Manager Conor Flynn said the eEconic trial truck was tailor-made for Australian conditions.
“Plenty of effort and cooperation has gone into delivering a bespoke model fit for Australian climates and terrain.
“Amongst other things, Brisbane was chosen for the trial because of its diverse operational landscape.
“The next steps are sharing and analysing information with Mercedes-Benz and other participants, including Superior Pak, which has overseen the body design.”
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia Pacific Sales and Marketing Vice President, Andrew Assimo, says he’s been thrilled to see the eEconic hard at work for REMONDIS and the Brisbane community.
“The Mercedes-Benz eEconic is the perfect choice for collecting waste and recycling day-in and day-out, delivering practical sustainability.
“We know it can allow REMONDIS to deliver its customer-first waste solutions in near silence while producing zero exhaust emissions.
“The track record of these trucks speaks for itself in Europe, and we’ll be working closely with REMONDIS with a view to them succeeding in Australia.”
The eEconic evolves from the diesel-powered Econic truck, developed by Mercedes-Benz nearly 30 years ago as a breakthrough custom-made city-friendly waste vehicle.
With drive output of up to 400 kilowatts, speed of up to 100km/h and a range of up to 150 kilometres (with compaction), the eEconic uses three battery packs with 300kWh of usable capacity. The batteries can be recharged in as little as 2.5 hours (using a 120kW charger), typically at fleet owner depots.
The truck also has numerous safety features, including Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), panoramic windows and advanced mirrors and cameras to aid driver visibility, meaning new levels of precaution for pedestrians and other drivers.
A low two-step entry point ensures better driver safety, with drivers avoiding repetitive climbs to and from seats that are positioned high in many conventional trucks.
The eEconic trial builds on other electric truck trials REMONDIS has undertaken in Australia, and the globally significant introduction of a zero-emission hydrogen powered residential collection truck to its Illawarra operations in New South Wales in 2023.
REMONDIS is one of the world’s leading privately run recycling, service and water companies with around 1,500 business locations in over 30 countries and across four continents. Founded in 1934, this family-run business employs 48,000 people and generates a turnover of €13.4 bn (2025). Each year, it processes about 30 million tons of recyclable materials and provides services for local authorities, small and medium-sized businesses and industrial firms as well as for around 30 million people. Operating in many different fields of business, REMONDIS makes an important contribution towards protecting the environment and conserving natural resources – from recovering valuable raw materials from industrial and household waste, to producing high-quality recycled raw materials, all the way through to transforming non-recyclable materials into a range of different fuels. Moreover, the company is increasingly helping to advance the switch from fossil fuels to renewables by using biomass as a source of energy. REMONDIS sees itself as an adviser and point of contact for industrial, commercial and retail businesses as well as for local authorities as it helps them to find regional and bespoke solutions. REMONDIS Australia commenced operations in 1982 and now has around 1,200 employees servicing more than 24,000 customers nationally. www.remondis.com.au
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