What’s Happening: Mack Trucks has launched its Mack MD Electric, the company’s first electric vehicle in the medium-duty segment of the trucking industry. The truck was revealed for the first time during the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) 2023 Work Truck Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Why It Matters: The addition of the zero-tailpipe emissions battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to the Mack medium-duty lineup complements the highly efficient, diesel-powered MD model and supports the company’s long-term sustainability goals. The Mack MD Electric is also the second electric vehicle introduced by Mack Trucks to the industry, following the Mack LR Electric, which went into production in December 2021.
Key Points:
- The Mack MD Electric will be available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings, and will be exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET).
- The Mack MD Electric will be produced at Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) in Roanoke Valley, Virginia, where Mack began production of the Mack MD Series in 2020.
- The MD Electric’s three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor and all on-board accessories are powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries, either in a 150kWh or 240kWH configuration.
- The MD Electric can be charged through AC or DC charging units, and its regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from multiple stops the vehicle makes each day.
- The Mack MD Electric is built with the same focus on reliability, durability, and productivity that customers expect from a Mack truck, and is available in 4×2 configurations featuring a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings.
Bottom Line: The launch of the Mack MD Electric is a significant step towards Mack Trucks’ goal of driving decarbonization and a more sustainable future. The addition of the BEV to the medium-duty lineup complements the diesel-powered MD model, providing customers with a wider range of options to meet their application needs while reducing their environmental impact.
