Mack Unleashes All-Electric Medium-Duty Trucks

Mack Trucks pulled the curtain off its new MD Electric series of all-electric medium-duty trucks on March 8 at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.

Like its diesel stablemate, the new MD will be available in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings. The Class 6 electric has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the Class 7 electric 33,000 pounds.

The MD Electric is the second battery-electric model rolled out by the OEM; the first was the Mack LR Electric for refuse applications, which entered production in December 2021.

“The MD Electric was designed from the ground up for the medium-duty market,” said Rich Million, senior vice president of strategy and business development. “The target now for us is to have these in our customers’ hands by the end of this year, with pilot models out first.”

Mack MD Electric: Up to 230-Mile Range

“The MD Electric models offer up to 230 miles of range; are available in five wheelbases and with a standard air-ride cab and industry-standard connector for AC and DC charging,” said Scott Baraclough, senior product manager of e-mobility. “These trucks are covered by Mack’s Ultra five-year service agreement.”

In addition, the trucks can support electric PTO units, and both GVW versions are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax. The MD6 model does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads.

MD Electric trucks will be produced at Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) in Virginia, where Mack launched production of the MD Series in 2020.

Three-Phase Electric Motor

The Class 6 and 7 Mack MD6 and MD7 electric models will be equipped with the SEA-Drive 120 and 180 power systems. SEA Electric has become a Tier 1 partner to Mack Trucks in a five-year agreement.

Powering the MD Electric is a three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor, with all on-board accessories powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries, either in a 150kWh or 240kWH configuration. A regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the multiple stops the typical vehicle makes each day.

The MD Electric can be charged through AC or DC charging units.

The MD Electric is available in 4x2 configurations that feature a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings. The truck’s cab design provides a short bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 103 inches, which Mack regards as an industry best.

Similar to its diesel-powered MD Series, for the MD Electric, the OEM turned to the bold look and styling of its Anthem highway model as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design. According to Mack, the MD Electric will meet the needs of such applications as dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed, and dump operations.