University of Tennessee adds electric garbage truck to campus fleet

The University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus has added a McNeilus Volterra ZFL electric garbage truck to its fleet.

Campus waste routes are a good fit for electric trucks because they involve frequent stops, low speeds under heavy loads, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and require quiet operation during early‑morning collection near dorms, libraries and lecture halls.

The Volterra is made in Tennessee, cuts tailpipe emissions and diesel fuel use, and features regenerative braking and quiet operation, making it well suited to the campus environment.

Brad Moats, recycling supervisor, said the truck supports regional manufacturing and allows the university to measure real‑world performance to guide future fleet decisions.

The Class 8 truck is equipped with a 499 kWh battery pack, with an optional 665 kWh pack, and a high‑torque e‑axle. McNeilus says the Volterra ZFL can run an entire 10‑hour shift on a single charge, covering up to 110 miles of route.

By bringing a Tennessee‑built electric refuse vehicle into daily campus service, the university demonstrates the viability of local manufacturing and sustainable waste collection.