hoboken

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced the official arrival of the City's first fully electric garbage truck and two HOP shuttle buses, marking a major milestone in Hoboken’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable municipal fleet. Funded in part through a nearly $700,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the new vehicles are now part of Hoboken’s growing lineup of 30 electric or hybrid vehicles that comprise the municipal fleet.

The electric garbage truck, which will replace an existing diesel hauler, is significantly quieter than its predecessor and will begin servicing Hoboken neighborhoods in the coming weeks, along with the two new Hop shuttle buses. In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing noise pollution, the electric vehicles are expected to improve overall air quality while offering a smoother, quieter experience for residents

“This is a big moment for Hoboken,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “By putting our first electric garbage truck and HOP shuttle buses on the road, we are taking real action to reduce harmful emissions and protect our environment. These vehicles are not just cleaner, they are also much quieter than the diesel models they replace. That means less noise in our neighborhoods and a better experience for everyone who lives and works in Hoboken. I look forward to these vehicles being put into service in the weeks ahead.”

Over the next 15 years, the three electric vehicles are projected to save the City over $1.1 million in fuel costs, while also reducing maintenance expenses associated with traditional diesel engines. Together, they will eliminate the annual consumption of over 17,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

Electric waste management vehicles and shuttle buses offer significant environmental advantages. Traditional diesel models are inefficient, often achieving less than 15 miles per gallon, and are major contributors to noise and air pollution. The electric alternatives will dramatically reduce noise pollution and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are a leading factor in ozone pollution, by an estimated 150,000 grams per year, totaling nearly 2.3 million grams over their useful lifespan.

The rollout of the electric garbage truck and buses directly supports the City’s Climate Action Plan, launched by Mayor Bhalla in January 2019, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030. Phasing in electric and hybrid vehicles is one of eight priority actions identified for reducing emissions from City operations.

To date, Hoboken has transitioned 30 vehicles in its municipal fleet to electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid models. The City's broader climate initiatives also include the expansion of its residential composting program, access to renewable energy options for homeowners, and expanding public EV charging infrastructure so that every resident is within a 5-minute walk of a public charging station.  

For more information about Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts, visit www.hobokennj.gov/sustainability.  

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