Mack’s New Electric Refuse Trucks Offer More Range and Capacity

Mack Trucks have been around for more than a century and are one of North America's largest producers of heavy-duty trucks. Mack trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Today they are part of the Volvo Group, which gives them significant resources as the trucking industry moves to electrification.

Mack has announced that its next-generation Mack LR Electric refuse model will be available for ordering in 2022. The fully battery-powered truck combines power, reliability, and durability with zero emissions, offering customers a more sustainable option for refuse and recycling collection. Mack began production of the LR Electric in 2021 at its Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, where all Class 8 Mack vehicles for North America and export are assembled.

"Mack Trucks, the market leader in the refuse industry, is also a leader in e-mobility, and this is another step forward in our ongoing electrification journey," said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations in a Mack news release. "Customer feedback about the Mack LR Electric has been extremely positive, and we look forward to continuing to advance electrification to fulfill the needs of our customers."

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The LR Electric features 42 percent more energy and a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity offering an increased range over the previous LR version. Featuring twin electric motors, the Mack LR Electric offers 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak output torque from zero RPM. The LR Electric has a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission, Mack mRide Suspension, and Mack's proprietary S462R 46,000-pound rear axles.

The symbol for Mack Trucks has always been the Bulldog mascot on the hood. A copper-colored Bulldog is used to denote the presence of an electric drivetrain on LR and other electrified models. The LR Electric uses four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries that are charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. The four batteries also provide all power for every onboard accessory, driven through 12V, 24V, and 600V circuits. Two-stage regenerative braking is used to recapture energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day with an increasing load as it picks up trash and/or recycling.

"Mack continues to make investments in e-mobility, and we are pleased that this next generation LR Electric further improves our offering," said Scott Barraclough, Mack senior product manager of e-mobility. "Our dealers also are becoming EV certified, so customers will have the same level of service and support they have come to expect from Mack and its extensive dealer network."

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Kevin Clemens is a Senior Editor with Battery Technology.