Republic Announces Mack LR Electric Garbage Trucks in Chicago

Republic Services is committed to cleaning up the Chicagoland area, and now, that includes the air Chicagoans breathe. On August 14, Republic celebrated the arrival of Chicago’s first electric refuse fleet, featuring two brand-new Mack LR Electric garbage trucks.

Executives from Republic Services were joined by partners from ComEd to mark the milestone, made possible in part by ComEd’s commercial EV rebate program. These Class 8 Mack trucks are powered by dual electric motors delivering a combined 400 kW (about 536 hp) through a 2-speed Mack Powershift transmission, producing an incredible 4,051 lb-ft of peak torque. That’s more than 40% stronger than the original Mack LR Electric launched in 2019. Their Samsung-sourced 376 kWh battery packs can be charged in under two hours with a 150 kW DC fast charger.

The private energy sector is playing a big role in making projects like this possible. ComEd’s investments in commercial EV rebates, battery storage, and charging infrastructure are accelerating the transition to electric fleets across Illinois. Chicago is emerging as a leader in this effort, with EV adoption outpacing the national average by a factor of four in Q1.

“The Mack LR Electric is purpose-built for refuse applications, delivering zero local emissions while maintaining the durability and performance Mack trucks are known for,” the official Mack press release says. “The electric powertrain provides quieter operation for early morning routes and helps fleet operators meet sustainability goals while supporting cleaner air quality in urban communities. With its low cab-forward design and tight turning radius, the LR Electric maintains the maneuverability essential for residential and commercial waste collection routes.”

“ComEd is proud to support Republic Services in advancing zero emissions transportation for Chicago’s neighborhoods,” explains Melissa Washington, ComEd’s senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives. “As more customers take advantage of our EV rebate programs, we are helping empower customers to realize the air quality and energy savings benefits of EVs, and moving our communities closer to their goals for a more sustainable future.”

Republic’s two electric trucks will charge nightly at the company’s vehicle yard in the Little Village neighborhood, where BP pulse installed new 150 kW DC fast chargers. ComEd’s rebate also supported the “make-ready” infrastructure that connects the utility transformer to the charging equipment, as well as funding for at least one Ford F-150 Lightning pickup for the fleet.

Republic introduced similar Class 8 electric garbage trucks in Madison, Wisconsin, last year. With Chicago now rolling forward, Republic Services is proving that heavy-duty EVs can deliver real environmental benefits while keeping America’s cities clean.