With the MEKG project – Multifunctional Electric Compact Base Vehicle – a fully electric municipal vehicle in the 8-tonne class was developed, built and successfully tested in everyday operation for the first time. The project was implemented by SUNCAR AG in close cooperation with Viktor Meili AG and the Rusterholz Group, supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) as part of its programme for market trials of innovative vehicles and machinery.
From partial electrification to a fully electric implement carrier
The technical feasibility of electrifying light municipal vehicles has already been successfully demonstrated in earlier pilot projects and small series. Building on this experience and thanks to continuous advances in energy storage and drive technology, the next logical step was the development of a fully electric vehicle in the 8-tonne class.
Based on the Meili VM 7000, the MEKG was designed as a new internal platform for fully electric municipal vehicles and implement carriers. The focus was on a comprehensive increase in efficiency to maximise operating time and enable the most uninterrupted working day possible.
Technical innovations and software integration in focus
A key challenge lay in software integration: coordinating the vehicle software, traction motor control in all operating states, and the design of new electrical interfaces for attachments required targeted development work.
The formerly hydrostatic traction drive was replaced by an electric direct drive. For this purpose, a specially developed gearbox was manufactured and integrated. The previously hydraulically driven attachments – such as snowploughs or mowers – were also fully electrified and equipped with suitable interfaces.
Two vehicle variants in real-world operation
Together with Meili and Rusterholz, two vehicle variants were developed and completed. Both are currently in an extensive test phase to collect operating data.
1. Standard version for municipal applications
The standard version is based on Meili’s URS.e base specification with a battery capacity of 120 kWh. A flatbed enables flexible use in municipal operations. One or two electrical interfaces allow operation of a wide range of attachments, including:
- Water tank with pump
- Flushing system or watering arm
- Slope mower
- Snowplough or snow blower
- Crane
A CCS fast-charging interface ensures short charging times and all-day operational capability – even for intensive tasks.
Following successful tests of the demo vehicle, the standard version has already been built multiple times and has proven itself in daily operation. All tested applications, such as snowploughing, salt spreading, flushing bar operation, slope mowing and transport runs, can be carried out without issue over extended periods. Only continuous intensive use with a snow blower remains challenging due to the high energy demand, but can be managed through targeted fast-charging breaks.
2. Special version: Fire service first-response vehicle (EEF)
The second variant is a specially developed first-response vehicle (EEF) for fire services. It is also based on the URS.e, but was optimised for rapid response driving and robust scenarios:
- 60 km/h top speed
- 1,500-litre firefighting water tank
- Two electric fire pumps
- Six-person cab, roof ladder and additional response equipment
The vehicle was commissioned in mid-2023 by the Zurich Cantonal Building Insurance (GVZ) in Andelfingen. Thanks to its low-noise driving, it is also ideally suited for training and drill deployments.
Results and outlook
Feedback from the pilot phase has been consistently positive: the MEKG impresses with reliability, suitability for everyday use and cost-effectiveness. System efficiency is up to eight times higher than that of conventional diesel vehicles, while CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 87% depending on the electricity mix.
The project clearly shows that the time is ripe for fully electric municipal vehicles, even in higher weight classes. Further special bodies – for example for waste collection – are already being implemented.
