Bangkok Eyes Electric Garbage Truck Lease Program Amid Scrutiny
Bangkok plans to lease 1,347 electric garbage trucks for 6.04 billion baht starting in 2027, replacing diesel vehicles while cutting energy costs by an estimated 4.75 billion baht over the contract period. The program faces council scrutiny
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council's extraordinary session on September 15, 2026 will debate the city's 2027 budget totaling 93.9 billion baht, with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt present to explain the administration's position. A key flashpoint is the electric garbage truck leasing program, comprising three separate projects with combined commitments of 6.04 billion baht, which has prompted council members to request further consideration. The city's Environmental Office has allocated budget for three electric truck leasing projects to replace 1,347 conventional diesel garbage trucks whose contracts expire in 2027.
Under the new 2027 budget, the five-year leasing plan breaks down as follows: 874 five-ton electric compactor trucks costing 4.13 billion baht; 399 two-ton electric compactor trucks costing 1.60 billion baht; and 74 eight-cubic-meter electric hook-lift vehicles costing 317.5 million baht, totaling 1,347 trucks at 6.04 billion baht. Officials argue that electric truck leasing rates are 7–10 percent lower than diesel equivalents, with electricity costs 54 percent cheaper than diesel fuel, potentially saving 4.75 billion baht in energy expenses over the contract period. Diesel truck budgets from 2002 to 2020 totaled nearly 22 billion baht.
The switch from diesel to electric vehicles would reduce emissions of PM2.5, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gases. To address concerns over charging infrastructure, Bangkok has partnered with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to install fast-charging stations at three waste disposal facilities and 88 public charging points citywide. The leasing agreement requires backup vehicles in case of breakdown or charging failures.
