Range-extended electric Wrightspeed refuse truck enters service

The first refuse truck featuring a Wrightspeed range-extended electric powertrain has entered municipal service with the Ratto Group, a Santa Rosa, CA-based refuse, yard waste and recycling collection and processing company.

Designed to deliver economic, environmental and performance benefits in both OEM-installed new vehicles and existing fleet retrofits, Wrightspeed’s The Route is a scalable solution that has been recognized by The State of California for its ability to help meet progressive climate and air quality mandates, the company said.

The Ratto Group's fleet of refuse, recycling and compostable yard waste trucks services over 140,000 customers in Sonoma County, Mariposa County, the City of Novato, and West Marin. Ratto and Wrightspeed plan to deploy more than 15 Route-equipped trucks over the next 12 months to meet community needs.

"In a business that puts a premium on re-use, this represents the ultimate in recycling. We're literally recycling the recycling truck," said Lou Ratto, COO of The Ratto Group. "By integrating Wrightspeed's powertrains into our existing commercial fleet, we're initiating a progressive solid waste and recyclables collection strategy that will maximize the life of our vehicles, cut fuel consumption and emissions, and have a positive environmental impact on our service areas."

"As an early adopter of our powertrain technology, Lou Ratto has solidified Sonoma County as a leader in pioneering new technologies that will improve and preserve the region for future generations," said Ian Wright, Founder and CEO of Wrightspeed. "We're proud to collaborate with Lou and his team and to establish our powertrain technology as the economical and environmental choice for cleaner, quieter and more efficient communities."