Mack Trucks has delivered a pre-production Mack LR Electric model to Republic Services to begin in-service trials in the demanding refuse segment. The handover was announced during a virtual press event at Mack World Headquarters in Greensboro, N.C., Oct. 6.

Mack noted that it will use key learnings from the trials to further refine the LR Electric as it prepares to accept orders for the truck in Q4 2020, with production beginning in 2021.

Republic Services will test the LR Electric model in Hickory, N.C., on one of its residential recycling collection routes. The LR Electric will be evaluated for its range, functionality, and payload capacity. Dedicated to reducing fleet emissions, Republic Services has also looked at renewable natural gas and other alternative fuels over the years. 

“Mack Trucks is extremely pleased that Republic’s very first fully electric refuse vehicle is the Mack LR Electric,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of North American sales and commercial operations. “The LR Electric offers numerous benefits, including zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and quieter operation, and we look forward to partnering with Republic to meet their business needs through this fully electric truck.”

In addition to Republic, Mack Trucks turned over the keys to a Mack LR demo model to New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) officials in September. 

Featuring a fully electric integrated powertrain, the Republic Mack LR Electric is equipped with two electric motors with a combined output of 536 peak horsepower. The powertrain delivers 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque available from zero RPM, which is fed through a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission to Mack’s proprietary S462R 46,000-pound 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 Republic LR Electric features Heil’s Command-SST, an automated side loader refuse body optimized for next generation electric collection trucks. The Command-SST features a strong, yet lightweight body that maximizes hauling capacity, without sacrificing performance. Its efficient hydraulic system only draws power when needed, helping extend battery life. A unique feature is the body-mounted ASL arm, which frees up frame rail space for batteries or other auxiliary components.

Identified by a copper Bulldog 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 extensive dealer network.