Rotterdam unveils new charging hub for electric refuse trucks

Rotterdam has opened a charging facility for 24 electric refuse trucks, supporting the Dutch city’s efforts to electrify its municipal fleet and reduce emissions from waste collection.

The charging hub at Kleinpolderplein was developed in collaboration with TotalEnergies and will accommodate the city’s growing number of electric waste collection vehicles.

Rotterdam purchased 32 electric Volvo refuse trucks in 2026, adding to six already in operation. The expansion required additional charging infrastructure to support daily collection services.

A key factor in delivering the project was the municipality’s early planning for electricity demand. Rotterdam requested a higher-capacity grid connection several years ago, allowing the charging facility to proceed despite growing grid congestion in the Netherlands.

The new hub provides 24 charging points, with smart charging technology distributing available electricity between vehicles.

The electric trucks produce no exhaust emissions during operation and are quieter than their diesel counterparts, helping to reduce the environmental impact of waste collection in residential areas.

The project forms part of Rotterdam’s wider transition towards a zero-emission municipal fleet, which includes the electrification of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and other municipal equipment.

Rotterdam’s experience highlights the importance of coordinating vehicle procurement with upgrading charging infrastructure and grid capacity – a growing consideration for cities electrifying heavy-duty municipal fleets.

Photo: City of Rotterdam