The Hidden Giant in Urban Transport: Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks are everywhere, yet we rarely think about them. In any medium-sized city, refuse collection vehicles make up 15–20% of the municipal fleet, and they are among the heaviest fuel consumers. A single garbage truck can burn 8,000 to 12,000 litres of diesel per year, emitting over 20 tons of CO₂ — not to mention the noise that wakes up residents during early morning rounds.
The numbers are staggering. Globally, there are more than 1.5 million garbage trucks in operation, and the vast majority still run on diesel. As cities push for zero-emission zones, stricter noise regulations, and lower operating costs, electrification is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. But replacing a whole fleet with brand new electric trucks costs millions. That is where conversion kits come in. Converting existing garbage trucks to electric is 40–60% cheaper than buying new, reduces downtime, and keeps valuable chassis and bodies out of scrapyards. It is the smart, sustainable, and financially sound choice.
One Truck, Many Missions — We Have a Kit for Every Weight and Speed
Not all garbage trucks are the same. A small rear-loading truck operating in narrow city streets has very different needs from a heavy front-loader serving industrial bins. At Green Motor Technology, we understand that. Our electric conversion kits are designed to cover the full spectrum of refuse collection vehicles, from 3.5-tonne light-duty trucks to 26-tonne heavy-duty units.
Here is a quick reference based on vehicle weight and required top speed (garbage trucks typically operate at low speeds, but need enough torque for stop-and-go and hill climbing):
| Vehicle GVWR | Typical Application | Recommended Motor Power | Battery Capacity | Expected Range (per charge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 – 7.5 t | Small rear-loaders, street sweepers | 30 – 60 kW | 40 – 60 kWh | 80 – 120 km |
| 8 – 12 t | Mid-size rear-loaders, compactors | 60 – 100 kW | 80 – 120 kWh | 100 – 150 km |
| 13 – 18 t | Standard front/rear-loaders | 100 – 150 kW | 120 – 180 kWh | 120 – 180 km |
| 19 – 26 t | Heavy-duty front-loaders, hook-loaders | 150 – 250 kW | 180 – 280 kWh | 150 – 200 km |
A typical conversion kit includes:
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High-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) or AC induction motor
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Programmable motor controller with regenerative braking
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Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack with BMS (CAN communication ready)
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OEM-level high-voltage distribution unit
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Electric air compressor for brakes and auxiliary systems
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Electric power steering pump
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Dashboard display and pedal set (drive-by-wire)
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DC-DC converter for 12V/24V loads
Example: converting a 12-tonne rear-loader
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Remove original diesel engine, gearbox, radiator, exhaust, fuel tank.
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Install a 90 kW motor directly coupled to the existing transmission or via a single-speed reduction gear.
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Mount 100 kWh LFP batteries along the chassis rails (under the body, no cargo space loss).
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Total conversion time: 5–7 working days for a trained workshop.
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Result: Zero tailpipe emissions, 70% lower energy cost per km, 15 dBA noise reduction — your drivers and residents will thank you.
All our components are IP67 rated, sealed against water, dust, and the harsh environment of waste collection.
Over 20 Years of Retrofit Excellence — Not Just Parts, a Complete Partnership
Green Motor Technology (Foshan Shunde, China) has been dedicated to vehicle electrification since 2003. We are not a startup playing with “green concepts” — we are engineers who have successfully converted more than 2,000 commercial vehicles across Asia, Europe, and South America, including buses, trucks, sweepers, and garbage collectors.
When you choose our electric garbage truck conversion kit, you receive far more than hardware:
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Complete kit engineering – tailored to your exact chassis model (we work with Hino, Isuzu, Foton, Dongfeng, JAC, Mitsubishi, and more).
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Technical documentation – wiring diagrams, CAN mapping, mechanical installation drawings, and calibration files.
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On-site or remote training – we can send our technicians to your facility or provide live video guidance. Your mechanics will learn how to perform the conversion themselves after the first few units.
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After-sales support – 2-year warranty on motor and controller, 5-year warranty on LFP batteries. Spare parts shipped within 48 hours.
We know that every country has different regulations for modified vehicles. Our team can help you prepare technical files for local approval (type approval, individual inspection, etc.). We have done it before, and we can do it for you.
Ready to Start Your Fleet Electrification?
Do not let the old diesel engines hold you back. Whether you want to convert one prototype or 100 trucks, Green Motor Technology has the solution. Reach us freely.
