Mack Trucks has unveiled its second all-electric model, the medium-duty MD Electric. This new truck is available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings, just like its diesel counterpart, the MD. It is being built at the Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) facility in Virginia, where production of the MD series began in 2020.
The Mack MD Electric is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces up to 260 horsepower and a maximum peak torque of 1,850 pound-feet (2,513 Newton-meters). The continuous output of the three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor is rated at 138 kilowatts (185 hp) and 960 lb-ft (1,2800 Nm) of torque. It is available with two battery pack options, both of which are Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) units, with 150 kilowatt-hours and 240 kWh, respectively. With the bigger pack, the MD Electric has an estimated range of 230 miles (370 kilometers) on a single charge. It also has CCS1 charging via AC at up to 19.2 kW and DC at up to 80 kW. The batteries are rated at 394 volts and it takes between 6-11 hours on an AC unit to fully charge them and between 100-160 minutes on a DC charger that provides 80 kW.
The Mack MD Electric also features a 3-mode regenerative braking system and a 10 kW electric power takeoff (ePTO) for rear-mounted accessories. According to Martin Weissburg, global president of Mack Trucks, “Mack established itself as an electrification leader with the heavy-duty Mack LR Electric vehicle, and we’re excited to add the MD Electric to our zero-tailpipe emissions lineup. This is another important step in our efforts to drive decarbonization and a more sustainable future, and we plan to continue investing in technologies that help improve the environment and society.”
The new MD Electric is available in five different wheelbase options, between 206-270 inches (523-685 centimeters), and has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds in the Class 6 variant, while the Class 7 version has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET) and the MD6 doesn’t require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads. The Mack MD Electric will be available in late 2023 through the company’s dealer network, which is present in more than 45 countries around the world.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
