Bangkok Plans 1,347 EV Garbage Trucks to Save 4.7 Billion Baht

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has defended a proposed lease of 1,347 electric garbage trucks, stating the switch from diesel vehicles will cut costs, reduce pollution, and improve waste collection. The project is part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s proposed 2027 budget, currently under consideration by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council. The overall budget exceeds 93.9 billion baht. Chadchart emphasized that replacing long-used diesel garbage trucks with EVs is a significant transition, but the technology is now ready and can deliver substantial savings while supporting the shift towards cleaner energy. The EV trucks are expected to reduce PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and greenhouse gas emissions. They are also quieter than diesel vehicles, making them suitable for nighttime waste collection and reducing noise pollution for residents. Addressing concerns about transparency, Chadchart stated that a joint committee involving several agencies has been established to review the project and address observations from relevant authorities. The project will also undergo integrity and transparency procedures to ensure proper scrutiny. Chadchart rejected calls to outsource both vehicles and waste collection personnel, arguing that the BMA must retain its waste collection staff as waste management is an essential public service. Staff can also be redeployed for emergency operations. He indicated that staffing levels could gradually decline through retirement and improved efficiency, with no policy to dismiss workers. EV garbage trucks are already in use in areas like Pattaya, where contractors are required to operate at least 10 electric trucks under contracts covering 2021–2026. Other municipalities, including Saen Suk, Phuket, and Nonthaburi, are also using or testing the technology. The BMA is collaborating with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to install charging systems and will conduct thorough performance tests before the vehicles enter service. Chadchart expressed readiness to consider comments from Bangkok councillors but warned that if the 2027 budget is not approved, the procurement process cannot proceed as planned. This could force the BMA to continue leasing diesel trucks for another two years, with some existing vehicles already aged five to seven years and continuing to cause pollution and noise. The financial case for the EV fleet is a key aspect of the proposal. Lease rates are projected to be 7–10% lower than those for diesel trucks leased in 2020. For 1,347 EV trucks traveling an average of 200 kilometers daily, energy costs over a five-year contract are estimated at approximately 4.745 billion baht, or about 949 million baht annually. This represents a 54% saving compared to diesel vehicles. The BMA estimates five-year energy costs at about 8.756 billion baht for diesel trucks (based on diesel at 39 baht per liter) versus approximately 4.011 billion baht for EVs (based on electricity at 6 baht per unit). Chadchart also mentioned the BMA is considering new firefighting technology, including drones capable of delivering water to fire scenes, which could be particularly useful for high-rise buildings. He assured that such technology would be carefully assessed for suitability and effectiveness before any decision. "The most important thing is that residents have garbage collection services every day without interruption," Chadchart concluded. Source: Pattaya Mail