In an era where climate change and environmental sustainability are urgent global issues, local governments have a critical role to play. For Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC), a transformative opportunity lies in converting its garbage collection fleet from conventional fuel to electric vehicles (EVs). This move could significantly reduce carbon emissions, promote cleaner air, and contribute to a greener future.
GMC currently operates a fleet of 32 diesel powered vehicles, including Mahindra Pickups, Tata 909s, cesspool vehicles, and compactors, essential to the city’s daily waste management operations. Fleet data shows that each vehicle travels an average of 55 kilometers daily, consuming about 15 liters of diesel. The average fuel efficiency of these vehicles stands at 4 km per liter, which is below both their rated efficiency and the typical revised standard of 7 km per liter, largely due to the challenging terrain. This reduced efficiency leads to an additional annual diesel consumption of approximately 48,000 liters across the entire fleet.
By transitioning to electric garbage trucks, GMC could cut down its fuel consumption dramatically while also reducing the overall operational costs of waste collection. The environmental benefits would include an estimated annual reduction in carbon emissions by 305 tonnes, based on fleet data, helping the city move closer to its sustainability goals.
Beyond environmental gains, electrifying the fleet would bring economic advantages. Electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs and significantly lower fuel costs compared to diesel-powered trucks. GMC’s data suggests that transitioning the current fleet could lead to an annual savings of approximately ?3.9 lakhs on average per vehicle, a figure that includes reduced diesel consumption and maintenance expenses. It is recommended to deploy Electric Garbage Tippers with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 2500 to 3000 kg, a payload capacity of 1500 to 1800 kg, and a battery capacity of 30-34 kWh using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology.
Moreover, while the initial investment in electric vehicles might seem steep, the payback period is remarkably short. According to financial models, GMC could recover its investment in approximately 7 years through fuel savings alone. With government incentives for electric vehicles and lower electricity tariffs, this payback period could be even shorter, making the transition highly cost-effective.
Citing some cases, Chennai has made significant strides in transitioning its garbage collection fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has already deployed more than 5,860 battery-powered vehicles for waste collection, aiming to achieve a 100% electrified fleet soon. This transition is expected to reduce the city's carbon emissions by 3,000 metric tonnes annually and improve the efficiency of waste collection operations. The EVs can travel up to 50 kilometers on a single charge and operate for six hours daily, allowing them to cover multiple waste collection rounds efficiently.
Similarly, Hyderabad has embraced the use of electric vehicles in waste management as part of its broader sustainability efforts. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has implemented electric autos for garbage collection, aiming to reduce pollution and noise in the city. These electric vehicles are primarily deployed for waste collection in urban areas. Hyderabad generates around 6,500 to 7,000 tonnes of waste daily, and the GHMC is exploring advanced solutions such as a Command Control Centre (CCC) for tracking garbage trucks equipped with GPS to improve efficiency. Additionally, the Telangana state government is rolling out electric garbage trucks across 73 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), excluding Hyderabad, as part of its “Swachh Telangana” vision.
Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently conducted a trial run with four electric vehicles for garbage collection. The vehicles, however, did not meet the expected performance standards. PMC has provided feedback to the manufacturers, requesting improvements in design and functionality. Future trials will be conducted after these recommendations are implemented, ensuring the vehicles meet operational demands more effectively.
Conclusively, GMC's transition to electric vehicles would position Gangtok as a role model for other cities across the region and represent a forward-thinking step toward sustainable urban transportation. The environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in carbon emissions, coupled with substantial financial savings, make the case for electrification compelling. By embracing this opportunity, GMC has the chance to lead the way in creating a cleaner, greener future for Gangtok and beyond.
(International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), Delhi)