MAINE PUBLIC • June 17, 2024
A new electric trash truck, the first of its kind in Maine, is about to hit the streets of Portland. The super quiet Mack LRE Packer truck cost almost $684,000, nearly twice the cost of a diesel model. But the city said it will be cheaper to run because of lower maintenance and fuel costs. Portland has a goal of using 100% clean energy for operations by 2040. So far, it’s switched over some cars and pickup trucks to zero-emissions versions, but the trash truck is its first heavy duty electric vehicle. Portland will hold a naming contest for the new truck through June 30. The public will then have a chance to vote on the top five names for the vehicle.