Mack To Kickstart Production Of LR Electric Refuse Truck Next Year, Ordering Opens Q4 2020

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Mack will start taking orders for its LR Electric refuse truck in the fourth quarter of 2020, with production and deliveries to follow in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks.)

Mack Trucks will start taking orders for the LR Electric refuse truck in the fourth quarter of 2020, with production and deliveries expected to commence in 2021. The vehicles will be produced at Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania. The LR Electric has an all-electric integrated powertrain that consists of four NMC lithium-ion batteries and two electric motors that power the vehicle and any onboard accessories.

The Mack LR Electric features three-mode regenerative braking, which helps stretch the battery’s charge by recharging it during stop-and-go driving, which of course is how the truck will spend the vast majority of its time. Another key benefit of the LR Electric is that in addition to producing zero emissions, it generates much less noise during operation than its diesel counterparts. This means it can remain in compliance with emissions standards in certain areas and can operate at night without exceeding noise level restrictions.

Everything You’d Expect From A Mack LR

Although this particular LR is all-electric, as denoted by its copper Mack the Bulldog hood ornament, it still has many of the same features as its diesel-powered counterpart, making it easier for operations already using LRs to make the transition. Customers still have options for seating, doors, and other features, and the ergonomically designed LR cab remains largely unmodified, with only minimal changes made to the gauges and switchgear.

The LR Electric will also benefit from the GuardDog Connect telematics platform that improves uptime by monitoring the truck’s condition to detect little problems before they become bigger ones. Plus, Mack is implementing training programs specific to the LR Electric for technicians throughout its dealer network “to ensure customers receive the level of support they’ve come to expect from Mack,” the company says.

Building On Its Heritage

“Mack’s leadership in the refuse segment goes back more than a century, and we’re pleased to build on that heritage today by announcing the commercialization of the LR Electric model,” says Mack Trucks President Martin Weissburg. “This clean, quiet, and powerful truck demonstrates the very best of Mack innovation and our people, and I couldn’t be more proud to announce our plans to build it. The LR Electric is paving the way toward widespread acceptance of zero-emissions refuse trucks. As we begin delivering them to customers in the coming year, we remain committed to ensuring these trucks are built to meet the unique needs of the refuse industry.”

Source: Mack Trucks