Mack Trucks to begin production of electric garbage collector in 2021

Volvo Group’s American subsidiary Mack Trucks announced last week plans to commercialise its Mack LR Electric garbage truck, a fully electric model which will see orders open in the fourth quarter and deliveries beginning in 2021.

The Mack LR Electric model was introduced as a prototype back in 2018, featuring the company’s fully integrated electric powertrain with twin electric motors and four NMC lithium-ion batteries to provide vehicle propulsion as well as power for all onboard accessories.

With its quiet running able to help cut noise pollution in urban areas and its zero emissions providing commercial or municipal customers a garbage truck that fits in to their environmental goals and local emission regulations, the Mack LR Electric.

The garbage truck also comes with a unique three-mode regenerative braking system which takes into account the truck’s increasing load and helps recapture energy lost from the hundreds of stops that are made during a single run.

“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,” said Martin Weissburg, president of Mack Trucks.

“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.”

Like other Mack LR models the LR Electric can be fitted with equipment bodies from a number of manufacturers which allows customers the opportunity to tailor the truck to their specific needs and applications.

Customers will also be able to choose from the same driver/passenger side driving configurations, seating choices, and door options offered on the diesel-powered LR, while there were minimal changes to the gauges and select switchgear made to the LR Electric, owing Mack to carry over the ergonomic driver-designed LR cab.

“The LR Electric is paving the way toward widespread acceptance of zero-emissions refuse trucks,” Weissburg said. “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.”

Building on its electric pedigree the Mack LR Electric will also be monitored by Mack GuardDog Connect, a proactive telematics solution that monitors vehicle performance so as to help customers avoid unplanned downtime.