Dodge Center, MN (October 7, 2025) – McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) business, today announced that its McNeilus® Volterra™ ZSL™ electric refuse and recycling collection vehicle has been named the winner of the 2025 “
The contest, hosted by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tennessee Manufacturers Association, and the UT Center of Industrial Services, highlights innovation, craftsmanship and the impact of products made across Tennessee. The McNeilus Volterra ZSL electric vehicle stood out among more than 100 entries, earning top honors through public voting and recognition from across the state, over the nearly three-month voting period.
The McNeilus Volterra ZSL is North America’s first fully integrated electric refuse and recycling collection vehicle and is manufactured in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It combines zero-emission operation, a driver-first design, ergonomic cab, outstanding visibility, advanced safety and productivity features, and proven refuse and recycling collection technology - setting a new standard for the industry and helping communities meet sustainability goals.
“We are incredibly proud to bring this recognition home to Middle Tennessee and our team in Murfreesboro,” said Mike Kephart, Vice President and General Manager of Oshkosh Corporation’s Murfreesboro facility. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team members, the strength of our manufacturing community, and our deep commitment to Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. We are proud to call this region home and to contribute to its growth and success.”
“The Volterra ZSL represents our commitment to innovation with a vehicle purpose-built to deliver safety, productivity and quiet operation for drivers, technicians, owners and communities,” said Lee Dreas, President of McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. “Being recognized as the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee’ is an incredible honor that reinforces the hard work of our team and the promise of electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles for a more sustainable future.”
With its electrified drivetrain, smart battery system, cooperative regenerative braking, and certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a zero-emission vehicle, the Volterra ZSL eRCV is built to outperform while delivering all-day route performance on a single charge.
In addition to the electric side loader option, the McNeilus® Volterra™ ZFL™ electric front loader was unveiled in Oshkosh Corporation’s booth at CES 2025, where it was featured as part of the company’s “Neighborhood of the Future, Airport of the Future, and Jobsite of the Future” exhibits highlighting advancements in electrification, connectivity, and automation.
Kephart added, “We thank the Tennessee Chamber, TMA, UT CIS, our Rutherford County Chamber, and the community of supporters who voted in this year’s contest for helping shine a spotlight on innovation happening right here in Tennessee. We are especially honored to celebrate this win during Manufacturing Month.”
To learn more about McNeilus products, technology and dealer network, visit www.mcneilusgarbagetrucks.com.