Mack Trucks has started manufacturing a new electric vehicle.
Mack's first fully electric Class 8 vehicle is now in serial production at the Lehigh Valley facility in Lower Macungie Township, according to a news release from the company.
“Customer response to the LR Electric has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to putting more into fleet operations now that we are in production," said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior VP of sales and commercial operations, in a statement.
Equipped with four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries, the LR Electric is charged by a 150kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system, according to a news release from Mack Trucks.
The batteries provide vehicle propulsion and power for all onboard accessories driven through 12V, 24V and 600V electric circuits. A three-mode regenerative braking system helps recapture the energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day as a result of increasing payload throughout the day.
The Mack LR Electric may be fitted with equipment bodies from numerous manufacturers based on the unique needs of the customer, according to the news release.
A copper-colored Bulldog hood ornament, signifying the fully electric drivetrain, is featured prominently on the front of the truck.
Mack announced plans to launch the LR Electric model in 2018, with the first demonstration vehicle being delivered to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) in September 2020. The second LR Electric demonstration model was delivered in October 2020 to Republic Services and is being tested in a residential application in Hickory, North Carolina.
DSNY recently announced their plan to purchase seven LR Electric models that will operate in the city’s five boroughs.
