Santa Monica showcases Rhizon electric rear-loader as part of fleet electrification drive

Ernie Kwong, senior administrative analyst for the City of Santa Monica Fleet Management, introduced a Rhizon fully electric rear-loader trash truck and described the city's broader effort to electrify municipal vehicles. "This is a Rhizon electric rear loader trash truck, one of many electric vehicles that as we're electrifying our fleet here at Santa Monica," Kwong said.

Kwong said the truck is "fully electric from the drive train down to the trash pickup and compaction," highlighting that the vehicle's propulsion and the rubbish-handling mechanisms are electric rather than hydraulic or diesel-powered. He listed other electrified equipment in the fleet, including an electric street sweeper and electric trucks and sedans.

Describing the rationale for the program, Kwong said the city aims to reduce noise and emissions and to improve "the health and well-being of our city," noting additional operational benefits such as extending vehicle life. "We have about 26% of the fleet overall as electric vehicles right now. And that's increasing every day as we chase our sustainability goals here at City of Santa Monica," he added.

The presentation was descriptive and did not include a procurement timeline, specific cost figures, funding sources, or schedules for replacing particular vehicle classes. Kwong's remarks focused on the technical scope of the truck on display and the city's stated environmental objectives. The city did not announce a vote, motion, or formal action during this presentation.

Kwong concluded by reiterating that the electric share of the fleet is rising as the city pursues its sustainability targets. The demonstration serves as an informational update on fleet modernization rather than a decision point requiring council action.