Michigan to fund 20 electric garbage trucks

Michigan has allocated more than $4 million to help local governments and private companies replace diesel refuse vehicles with battery-electric models.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced the grant pool on October 26, 2026. The program is structured to split the purchase cost evenly between the state and the recipient. Officials estimate that $500,000 is the current market price for a new electric garbage truck. With the state covering half, the available funds should allow for the purchase of approximately 20 new vehicles.

The department identified Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties as priority zones for the funding. These areas face what the state calls the most acute long-standing environmental and public health challenges. The initiative aligns with the state's existing decarbonization targets for heavy-duty vehicles.

Several municipalities have already begun transitioning their fleets. Ann Arbor currently operates four electric trucks out of a total fleet of 28. Simi Barr, a senior analyst for municipal operations in Ann Arbor, noted that the shift is not automatic. He said, “Charging infrastructure is a main consideration. What does it take to ensure the vehicles are charged and available for their shifts on a daily basis?”

Route design also plays a role in the financial viability of electric trucks. Barr explained that rear-load and side-load configurations involve more stop-and-go driving. This driving pattern allows the vehicles to use regenerative braking to recapture energy and extend battery range.

Industry representatives point to operational savings as a key benefit. Haaker Refuse, a California-based dealer for McNeilus Refuse, highlighted the low cost of energy per mile and the elimination of tailpipe emissions. The state department described the grants as a tool to reduce diesel emissions, improve air quality, and support the deployment of advanced heavy-duty vehicle technologies.

The grant program is now open for applications. Local governments and private waste management firms in the designated priority counties can apply to cover the 50 percent state share of the purchase price. The department will review applications to determine the final distribution of the $4 million pool.