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In the ever-evolving world of transportation, Mack Trucks takes a significant step forward by unveiling an innovative, off-grid mobile charging system. This advancement was proudly announced during an in-depth briefing at the American Trucking Associations Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held from March 4th to 7th in New Orleans. The brain behind this groundbreaking technology, Ryan Saba, Mack Trucks’ energy solutions manager, shared insights into how this mobile charging unit, mounted on a Mack MD Electric truck, aims to simplify electric truck operations within various fleets. Mack’s initiative underscores its commitment to aiding customers in exploring the realm of e-mobility for Class 6-8 vehicles, assessing its practicality for their specific needs.
Ryan Saba eloquently described the mobile charging system as a crucial transitional tool. Many fleet operators remain cautious about transitioning to electric trucks, mainly due to uncertainties around the technology and the lack of charging infrastructure within their operations. “This vehicle acts as a pivotal bridge system,” Saba stated, highlighting the importance of offering customers a hands-on experience with electric trucks, thereby facilitating a smoother transition towards adopting battery-electric vehicles, despite the initial absence of onsite charging solutions.
The mobile charging system, innovatively designed to be housed within a Mack MD Electric charging unit, emerges as a temporary solution for customers and dealers alike, aiming to demystify electric vehicle technology through hands-on testing and demonstrations. Saba emphasized the system’s role in enabling charging for demonstration units or during multi-vehicle ride-and-drive events at dealerships, all without the necessity of pre-existing charging infrastructure. “This setup paves the way for customers to effortlessly experience the advantages of e-mobility and adopt a greener mode of transportation,” Saba explained, shedding light on Mack’s ambition to simplify the transition to sustainable transport solutions.
The mobile charging unit boasts a generator powered by renewable propane, coupled with a 120kW charger, all neatly mounted on the MD Electric truck that transports it. Although Mack currently does not plan to commercialize this specific truck-charger configuration within its energy solutions portfolio, it remains committed to assisting interested customers through its supplier network. “Our role is to ease the entry into the BEV market during these formative stages,” Saba articulated, focusing on the broader goal of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles by eliminating obstacles and alleviating concerns surrounding new technological advancements.
The MD Electric, which can be adapted to serve as either a Class 6 or Class 7 vehicle, represents Mack’s latest foray into electric transportation. Saba proudly outlined the truck’s specifications: a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor offering 260 horsepower, powered by nickel manganese cobalt oxide lithium-ion batteries with a 240kWh rating, ensuring an impressive range of up to 230 miles. This introduction follows the debut of the Mack LR Electric, a Class 8 refuse model, marking Mack’s continued innovation in the electric vehicle sector. The distinctive copper-colored Bulldog adorning their grills signifies their electric drivetrains, marking these vehicles as unmistakably Mack.
Both the MD Electric and LR Electric underscore Mack’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, with production rooted in the United States. As the transportation industry leans towards greener solutions, Mack Trucks leads by example, offering robust electric options and the support infrastructure to match.
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