Mack Trucks announced on June 28 that its MD Electric, the first medium-duty electric vehicle for the Volvo nameplate, is now available for order. Customers interested in ordering the Mack MD Electric should contact their local Mack dealer, according to the commercial truck OEM.
The MD Electric was unveiled to fanfare and by high-ranking company officials in early March at Work Truck Week 2023 in Indianapolis. The OEM announced earlier this month that the medium-duty EV had received approval from California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, which is a popular route for fleets operating in the Golden State seeking price breaks on electric vehicles and hybrids of every commercial class.
Now customers can queue up to get the electric vehicle.
"Mack is excited that customers can now order the Mack MD Electric," said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. "Mack is committed to moving toward a more sustainable decarbonized future, and the MD Electric is just another step in our journey. Since we introduced the MD Electric in March, we've received overwhelming customer response and interest, so we're happy that customers can now place their orders."
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The Classes 6-7 MD Electric is the second electric vehicle introduced by Mack Trucks to the industry. The first was the Mack LR Electric, which went into production in December 2021. The Class 6 model will have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 25,995 lb., and the Class 7 model will have a GVWR of 33,000 lb. Both will be exempt from the 12% federal excise tax and produced at Roanoke Valley Operations in Virginia, where the company began production of the Mack MD Series in 2020.
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The MD Electric will be available in 4x2 configurations, featuring a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings, according to the company release. The cab design features a short bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement of 103 inches. Similar to the diesel-powered Mack MD Series, Mack matched the look and styling of the Mack Anthem, Mack's on-highway model, as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design. The Mack MD Electric will be supported by Mack dealers, many of which are already Mack Certified Electric Vehicle dealers.
According to Mack, the model will come in two range configurations: a 240-kilowatt version that can go up to 230 miles and a 150-kilowatt version with a 140-mile range. The MD Electric's three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor and all onboard accessories are powered by nickel manganese cobalt oxide lithium-ion batteries. The regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the multiple stops the vehicle makes each day.
The MD Electric will have AC and DC fast-charging capability with a standard CCS1 charging connector. It will operate on Meritor axles, and its electric power system will be provided by SEA Electric, allowing Mack to speed the new model to market, officials said.
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