BYD partners on Maryland's first battery-electric, zero-emission collection truck

The City of Hyattsville's battery-electric, zero-emission collection truck, the first of its kind in the State of Maryland, begins service this October. The new vehicle, a BYD 6R Class 6 truck, is one of several fully-electric or hybrid vehicles in the City's fleet and is the first commercially deployed Class 6 refuse truck in the country, according to the company.

The BYD 6R is capable of working an entire shift without recharging. With its short wheelbase, this truck is more compact allowing for excellent maneuverability on urban streets where space is limited. In addition, the truck has over 200 KWh of battery capacity and is capable of 120kW DC CCS1 charging. 

"This addition to our growing electric vehicle fleet is one of the tools Hyattsville is using to move towards a clean energy future," says City Administrator Tracey Douglas. "We are proud to lead by example and demonstrate our care and concern for both the environment and the health of our employees." 

"We're extremely proud to work with the City of Hyattsville to deploy the first Class 6 electric refuse truck to into commercial service," said BYD Motors Senior Vice President Patrick Duan. "Our innovative battery electric truck will allow for a smooth, quiet, and reliable solution to help the city reduce emissions and operating costs." 

In addition to the environmental and employee health benefits provided by a zero-emission vehicle, the City anticipates significant savings in fuel purchases and vehicle maintenance. The City's Department of Public Works Director Lesley Riddle says she is most excited about the gasoline savings and the reduction in emissions inhaled by DPW staff on the job. "Hyattsville is going green and there's no going back!" 

All BYD trucks are purpose-built and utilize proprietary safe battery technology that exceeds the requirements for some of the most rigorous safety-testing programs around the world. 

For the truck body, Curbtender Inc. has installed eight yard rear loader Quantum body, designed to be lightweight and efficient. As a family-owned manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles, Curbtender is focused on providing durable, high-performance products with low purchase and maintenance costs to improve Total Cost of Ownership.