You can hardly hear it. Only the whirring of the electric pump reveals that the collection vehicle is working. When electric garbage trucks roll quietly through the streets today, there is often more technology under the hood than meets the eye. With the new EPM – Electric Power Move, a new generation of electric auxiliary drives, ZOELLER is now launching a further development of its proven Clean Drive. The system has been consistently optimized for energy efficiency, space savings, and independence from vehicle manufacturers – making it an important step toward sustainable, fully electric waste disposal logistics.

The Clean Drive, which has been tried and tested for years and is used in numerous vehicles, uses the chassis’ high-voltage interface to power the body and lift system electrically. Instead of the classic auxiliary drive, an electrically driven hydraulic pump takes over the energy supply. The principle remains the same with the EPM – but the implementation has been fundamentally improved.

More volume, less weight

Thanks to its compact design, EPM offers up to 0.9 cubic meters more usable volume in the vehicle body. At the same time, the developers were able to significantly reduce the weight: while the Clean Drive system weighed around 150 kilograms, the new EPM weighs only about 100 kilograms. This leaves more room for battery capacity – or, depending on the vehicle type, even shorter wheelbases. The EPM is the lightest E-PTO in its class!

Efficiency through precision

In addition to weight savings, energy efficiency was a key focus of development. The EPM is precisely tailored to the needs of waste collection vehicles and is up to 30% more efficient than comparable E-PTOs on the market! The EPM’s electric drive only operates when hydraulic power is actually needed. This lowers power consumption, reduces heat loss, and conserves the vehicle battery. This significantly extends the operating time per charge – a noticeable advantage in daily collection operations.

Independent and compatible

Another advance: EPM is body and chassis independent and already has OEM approvals for several major manufacturers – including Mercedes-Benz eActros, eEconic, MAN eTGS, Volvo FM Low Entry Electric, and DAF Electric. Approval for Scania is in preparation. This means that the system can be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of vehicle types without being tied to specific drive or control systems.

Everything from a single source

EPM was developed entirely by ZOELLER and ZOELLER Tech. The inverter, electric motor, high-voltage components, cooling system, and diagnostics all come from a single source. This simplifies servicing, reduces interface risks, and secures in-house expertise. After-sales business also remains in ZOELLER’s hands—from spare parts to maintenance.

With the new Electric Power Move, ZOELLER demonstrates that electromobility in the waste disposal sector does not end with the drive axle. EPM is a practical further development that reduces technical complexity and makes everyday life easier and more efficient for users.

EPM at a glance

Designation: Electric Power Move (EPM)

System type: Electric auxiliary drive for body and lifter

Weight: approx. 100 kg (Clean Drive: 150 kg)

Usable volume: +0.9 m³ thanks to more compact design

Compatible chassis:

Mercedes-Benz eActros, eEconic · MAN eTGS · Volvo FM Low Entry Electric · DAF Electric (Scania in preparation)

Compatible bodies:

X1, X2, X4 in standard and H variants X5 & MF2 in preparation

Advantages:

• Body and chassis independent
• Best energy efficiency thanks to demand-oriented control
• Shorter wheelbases and greater battery capacity possible
• OEM approvals and EMC certified
• Service, parts, and diagnostics from a single source