Excerpt:

Alameda-based Wrightspeed Powertrains, a manufacturer of range-extended electric vehicle powertrains for heavy-duty applications, and the Ratto Group, a Santa Rosa-based refuse, yard waste and recycling collection and processing company, recently unveiled the first commercial application of a range-extended electric refuse truck.

Officials from both companies debuted the new vehicle at a press conference in Sonoma County on Nov. 2. Communities in Sonoma and surrounding counties will be the first to be served by the new upgraded vehicles, according to the joint press release.

The trucks will use Wrightspeed’s battery technology, The Route, to create a fleet of clean, quiet vehicles. It’s designed to deliver economic, environmental and performance benefits in both new vehicles and existing fleet retrofits. The Route has been recognized by the state of California for its ability to help meet progressive climate and air quality mandates. According to Wrightspeed’s website, The Route enables vehicles to operate with up to 67 percent less fuel consumption, 63 percent less emissions and will save up to $23,000 in maintenance costs, compared to similar vehicles