One of North America’s largest fleets will begin testing a prototype Mack LR Electric refuse truck this fall before the OEM starts taking orders for the zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV). Mack Trucks plans to start full production in 2021.
Mack will use learnings from Republic Services’ refuse hauling trials as it refines the LR Electric, both companies announced during a virtual press event broadcast live from Mack World Headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., on Oct. 6.
“We have a proven fully-electric powertrain, engineered inside a proven vehicle that integrates well with the body equipment required for collection,” Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior VP of North American sales and commercial operations, said during the event. “We also have an ecosystem that will be ready to support the LR electric models, as well as an industrial footprint that has completed major investments and prepared for the commercial launch of the LR electric. We're confident that the Mack LR electric will meet the needs of Republic.”
Republic Services, the fifth largest private fleet in the U.S., according to the 2020 FleetOwner 500 list), is one of the largest recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal companies in the country. The Arizona-based refuse hauler has more than 36,000 employees and operates more than 16,000 fleet vehicles in 41 states. The fleet averages about five million pickups a day, according to Shane Walker, Republic’s area president for the Mid-Atlantic region.
“Obviously, with a fleet that size, we're constantly looking for innovative ways to improve safety, efficiency, performance, and then ultimately lessen our impact on the environment,” Walker said. “We decided to partner with Mack on electrification because we want to take a leadership role in electrification.”
Walker noted that his company has been buying Mack trucks for more than 40 years and a majority of the Republic fleet are Macks. “We look forward to partnering with them on this innovative project as we explore these emerging technologies,” Walker added.
Republic will test the LR Electric on a residential recycling collection route in Hickory, N.C. The ZEV will be evaluated for its range, functionality and payload capacity as Mack prepares for production early next year.
Featuring a fully electric integrated powertrain, the Republic Mack LR Electric is equipped with two electric motors with a combined 536-peak horsepower output. The powertrain delivers 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque available from zero RPM, fed through a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission to Mack’s proprietary S462R 46,000-lb. rear axles. Four NMC lithium-ion (lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide) batteries are charged via a 150kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. All accessories are electrically driven through 12V, 24V and 600V circuits.
The LR Electric features Heil’s Command-SST, an automated side loader refuse body created for next-generation electric collection trucks. The Command-SST features a strong, yet lightweight body that maximizes hauling capacity, without sacrificing performance. According to the OEM, its efficient hydraulic system only draws power when needed, helping extend battery life. The truck’s body-mounted ASL arm frees up frame rail space for batteries or other auxiliary components.
Identified by a copper bulldog on its cab to signify its fully electric powertrain, the LR Electric will be built at the Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) facility in Macungie, Pa., where all Class 8 Mack Trucks for North America and export are assembled.
Equipment bodies from various manufacturers are available for the LR Electric, enabling customers to specify the truck to their unique application. Options include the same driver/passenger-side driving configurations, door selections and seating choices as the diesel-powered Mack LR model. The LR Electric features an ergonomic design, similar to the diesel Mack LR, but with a few changes to the gauges and select switchgear.
The LR Electric will be monitored by Mack GuardDog Connect, Mack’s proactive telematics solution that monitors vehicle performance and helps customers avoid unplanned downtime. The LR Electric will also be supported by Mack’s dealer network.
