Volvo Group subsidiary Mack Trucks delivered a new Mack LR Electric refuse truck to Royal Waste Services, Inc., a Waste Connections subsidiary operating in New York City that provides sustainable waste reduction strategies and recycling programs. The truck is the first of nine electric vehicles the Volvo Group will deliver as part of the Bronx is Breathing: Reimagining a Cleaner Hunts Point project.

The handoff occurred in conjunction with the announcement of MN8 Energy as the development partner which will create a freight-focused electric vehicle charging hub. 

The project is funded by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in partnership with the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to introduce clean transportation solutions in the South Bronx.

The Mack LR Electric delivered to Royal Waste Services features a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity, providing 42% more energy and increased range between charges compared to earlier models. Twin electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM, making it ideally suited for the stop-and-start nature of urban refuse collection.

The vehicle is equipped with four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. Energy from the two-stage regenerative braking system is recaptured from the hundreds of stops the LR Electric makes each day, maximizing efficiency as its load increases throughout collection routes.

VNR Electric with eTRUs

Later this year, Volvo Trucks North America will provide four Class 7 VNR Electric trucks to City Harvest, a food rescue organization. 

The trucks will feature battery-electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) and utilize the EV freight hub for charging. 

Mack MD Electric Deployment

In addition, the Fulton Fish Market Co-Op, the largest fish market in the U.S., will receive four medium-duty Mack MD model electric vehicles to aid in zero-emissions logistics. 

“The Volvo Group recognizes one of the main challenges for scaling zero emission vehicle operations is access to adequate, reliable and affordable power,” said Keith Brandis, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs, Volvo Group North America. “Through the Bronx is Breathing project, we will support the creation of a scalable model for public charging hubs in communities across the U.S.”

Hunts Point EV Charging Hub

Hunts Point hosts the largest wholesale food hub in the United States, along with nine waste transfer facilities, multiple recycling yards, a wastewater treatment plant and a residential community of nearly 13,000.

The electric vehicle charging hub, developed through public-private partnerships, will be built on a 3.2-acre brownfield site in the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center (FDC) by MN8 Energy, one of the largest independent solar energy producers in the United States. Featuring 32 Direct Charging Fast Chargers, the depot will include eight Class 8 trailer-enabled stalls and 10 Level 2 chargers and will become a scalable model for zero-tail-tailpipe freight while addressing the high cost of fast charging.

Workforce Development Hub

The site will also include a new, first-of-its-kind 12,500 square foot multi-purpose welcome center and workforce development hub. MN8 Energy will work in partnership with local nonprofits and workforce providers to develop on-site education and workforce development planning. Construction for the charging depot, welcome center and workforce development hub will begin in 2026 and will support both medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles as well as light-duty electric vehicles. 

“NYSERDA is proud to support the deployment of electric Volvo and Mack Trucks at Hunts Point to support sustainable operations and reduce air pollution. Zero-emission vehicles are an improvement that provides a meaningful step toward a healthier future for the South Bronx and all of New York City,” said David Sandbank, NYSERDA senior vice president of integrated energy solutions.