Mack Unleashes All-Electric Medium-Duty Trucks
The MD Electric, Mack’s first electric medium-duty truck, was unveiled on March 8 at the 2023 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.
The MD Electric is Mack’s first electric medium-duty truck.
Photo: Mack
Mack's MD Electric is the truck maker’s first electric medium-duty truck. It was unveiled on March 9 at the 2023 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis.
Photo: David Cullen
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.”
Like the diesel-powered MD Series, Mack turned to the bold look and styling of its Anthem highway model as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design.
Photo: David Cullen
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.
More Equipment
Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates
The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →
Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal
The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.
Read More →
Aurora Rolls Out Next Generation of Driverless Trucks for Commercial Freight
Aurora's latest autonomous trucks it's rolling out with International feature lower-cost hardware designed for a million miles as the company expands commercial driverless freight operations across the U.S. Sun Belt.
Read More →
Peterbilt 589 Spotlight: A Close Look at a Custom Working Truck [Video]
There's more to this customized Peterbilt Model 589 and Great Dane refrigerated trailer than chrome and stainless (although there's plenty of that too!) A veteran driver explains the design choices and practical features behind this working truck.
Read More →
Continental Expands Retread Lineup With New ContiTread HDL 5 EP
New long-haul drive retread is designed to improve fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and lower fleets' cost per mile.
Read More →
EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty
The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.
Read More →
Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance
Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.
Read More →