An electric garbage truck is being trialled on Canberra's streets for the first time, as part of ACT government efforts to move its fleet to zero emissions vehicles.
Transport and City Services Minister Chris Steel said transport emissions accounted for more than 60 per cent of total output in ACT, so electrification was needed as soon as possible to tackle climate change.
"We've already kick-started this transition with 12 battery electric buses joining Transport Canberra's fleet this year, and a further 90 e-buses on the way," Mr Steel said in a statement.
"The government is now assessing how we can move to zero emissions trucks for waste collection in the ACT. This two-week trial will provide an understanding of the features and benefits of using zero emissions technology for heavy commercial vehicles."
The electric garbage truck is a converted diesel model developed by Bucher Municipal and SEA Electric. It has a range of 190 kilometres and can run at a top speed of 100km/h. A full battery charge lasts eight hours.
Darren Gear, a regional sales manager at Burcher Municipal, said the truck was the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.
"Our company believes in solving challenges with key partnerships through technology and we strive to develop new equipment that meet environmental outcomes for now and into the future," Mr Gear said.
