LOS ANGELES - eTradeWire -- BYD, "Build Your Dreams", announced the City of Hyattsville, MD has purchased a BYD 6R Class 6 refuse truck, which will be the first battery-electric, zero-emission vehicle of its kind in the state of Maryland.

The BYD 6R has a 221-kWh battery system and is capable of working an entire shift without recharging. With its short wheelbase, this truck is more compact allowing for excellent maneuverability on urban streets where space is limited.

"The City of Hyattsville has taken the lead for zero-emission waste collection with the purchase of the state's first battery-electric truck," said John Gerra, Sr. Director of Business Development with BYD Motors. "We're excited to provide the first electric truck to serve in the State of Maryland."

"The City of Hyattsville is committed to sustainable operations and aims to purchase electric or hybrid vehicles whenever possible, said City Administrator Tracey Douglas. The Department of Public Works was in need of replacing an older trash truck and began exploring electric options with the support of a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration."

In addition to the environmental and employee health benefits provided by a zero-emission vehicle, the City anticipates significant savings in fuel purchases and vehicle maintenance, says Douglas.

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"We look forward to adding the new electric trash truck to our Department of Public Works fleet. This acquisition is in line with our commitment to investing, when feasible, in clean energy vehicles to support operations," Douglas said. "The electric truck, in addition to our electric police cruiser, police motorcycles, parking vehicle, and charging station infrastructure, allows us to lead by example and demonstrate our care and concern for the environment. As we continue to evaluate emerging technology, we expect to increase our electric vehicle fleet which will not only provide a public health benefit, but ultimately result in reduced maintenance and operating costs."

BYD's American manufacturing facility employs hundreds of men and women, many are members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union, (SMART), Local 105. Our Community Benefits Agreement includes a commitment to hire veterans, single parents and the formerly incarcerated. Our partnership with the Antelope Valley Community College sets up apprenticeship programs so that people in our community can learn valuable skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.