For PROs and pumpers who value lowering greenhouse gas emissions, staying ahead of environmental regulations or lowering fuel and maintenance costs, adding electric vehicles may be a wise long-term investment.
Imperial Industries’ first electric vacuum truck, added in fall 2024, rises to the challenge with net-zero operations and a high-end usable range. The Imperial Zero Emissions Vacuum Truck, or ZEVT, built from a 2025 Peterbilt Model 220EV and a Masport HD4V vacuum pump, was the first of a larger planned lineup of vacuum trucks designed to comply long-term with anticipated state and federal regulations on vehicular greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our goal for our ZEVT units is to meet and exceed increasing demand set forth by the regulation changes from 2024-40. We are working to be the industry experts on zero-emission vacuum trucks in both the septic and portable industries,” says Renee Menge, commercial portable truck sales at Imperial Industries. “As more states adapt CARB and ZEV through the 2027 matching of CARB and EPA regulations, we’ll see the increase of ZEV sales of class 4-8 continue to the 2040 100% mandate.”
The EVT boasts a 200-mile estimated daily range, supported by a thermal-controlled battery pack ideal for hot and cold conditions, onboard diagnostics and regenerative braking that absorbs stopping energy back into the battery pack.
“After researching all of the ZEV options, at the time of purchase (2022), the Peterbilt had the longest range in class,” Menge says.
With DC fast-charging, the 347 hp vehicle is ready to hit the road two hours after charging, or 6-13 with AC. The aluminum tank holds 1,300 gallons of waste and 500 gallons of freshwater.
Built with portable restroom service in mind, the truck includes a washdown system with a Hannay hose reel and Whale water pump, while the Masport HD4V pump operates quietly at 165 cfm of vacuum. Two tunnel boxes toward the front provide ample storage, while a work light at the rear simplifies night service. And a two-unit hauler in the back securely carries two standard portable restroom units.
Menge says ZEVT drivers can expect the same quality found in Imperial’s other units.
“The unit is held to the high standard of quality that all Imperial units are held to. In addition, this unit went through a more rigorous engineering process to ensure that all frame space and electric vehicle components are used to their full potential.”
A second Imperial electric vacuum truck, built on a Mack MDe chassis, went into production following the Peterbilt 220 EVT.
800-558-2945; www.imperialind.com
