Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Mack Reveals Fully Electric LR Refuse Truck

Mack Trucks unveiled its Mack LR battery-electric vehicle (BEV), powered by two 130-kW motors producing a combined 496 peak hp and 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque, at WasteExpo 2019.

May 8, 2019
Mack Reveals Fully Electric LR Refuse Truck

The Mack LR BEV is powered by Mack’s integrated electric powertrain consisting of two 130-kW motors producing a combined 496 peak hp and 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque available from zero RPM.

Photo courtesy of Mack Trucks

3 min to read


Mack Trucks unveiled its Mack LR battery-electric vehicle (BEV) at WasteExpo 2019. Combining the design of the Mack LR model with a fully electric Mack drivetrain, the demonstration model will begin real-world testing in 2020 in the demanding operations of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

“The Mack LR BEV is the latest example of Mack’s leadership within the refuse and recycling industry,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president, North American sales and marketing. “Built on our decades of experience in powertrain innovation, the electric LR delivers a powerful yet quiet, zero-emission solution designed to tackle one of the most demanding applications in one of the largest cities in the world.”

Ad Loading...

The Mack LR BEV is powered by Mack’s integrated electric powertrain consisting of two 130-kW motors producing a combined 496 peak hp and 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque available from zero RPM. Power is sent through a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission and put to the ground by Mack’s proprietary S522R 52,000-pound rear axles. The Mack LR BEV features a copper-colored Bulldog hood ornament, signifying that it’s an electric vehicle.

All of the LR BEV’s accessories, including the hydraulic systems for the Heil DuraPack 5000 body, are electrically driven through 12V, 24V, and 600V circuits. Four NMC lithium-ion batteries (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) are charged via a 150kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system.

As one of Mack’s largest customers, DSNY was an ideal choice to test the first LR BEV model in a real-world application. DSNY is the world’s largest sanitation department, with its 10,000 employees collecting more than 12,000 tons of refuse and recyclables each day. DSNY is also a sustainability innovator and has initiated several programs designed to reduce waste sent to landfills, as well as cut emissions.

“New York City, and DSNY in particular, is a world leader when it comes to testing the latest technologies to help us reduce our environmental footprint,” said New York City DSNY Deputy Commissioner Rocky DiRico. “We’re proud to be the first Mack customer to test this exciting new technology, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mack throughout this project.”

Even as electromobility technology and supporting infrastructure continues to develop, refuse and recycling collection represents an ideal application for BEVs because of the potential to deliver the most value to customers. Collection vehicles operate on predetermined routes and return home every off shift, helping eliminate concerns about range and finding a location to charge. The truckmarker notes that the frequent starts and stops, which can occur thousands of times per shift, also provide a significant regenerative braking opportunity to recapture energy.

Ad Loading...

Fully electric trucks like the Mack LR BEV provide a number of benefits, including zero emissions and the potential for improved environmental sustainability. In addition, fully electric trucks produce significantly less noise, enabling nighttime operation, a particularly attractive option for refuse operators in urban environments, according to Mack.

Check out the video below on the all-new truck:

Mack LR BEV Specifications: 

Electric Motors:

  • Two Alternating Current motors, 130 kW each.

  • 496 hp total peak power, 349 hp continuous power

  • 4,051 lb.-ft. of torque.

  • Traction voltage: 600 volts.

Ad Loading...

Batteries:

  • Four NMC Lithium-Ion Batteries (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide)

Charging System:

  • SAE J1772 compliant

  • Up to 150kW charging power at 200 amps maximum current

  • 600-750 volts, depending on state of battery charge

  • Regenerative braking system

Accessory Power:

Ad Loading...
  • 12 volt, 24 volt and 600 volt circuits

Transmission:

  • Two-speed Mack Powershift

Axles:

  • Mack FXL20 20,000-lb. front axle

  • Mack S522R 52,000-lb. rear axles

Ad Loading...

Body:

  • Heil 25-yard DuraPack 5000 rear loader

More Vehicle Research

POV the truck on the show floor says stop kicking me with image of tire being kicked

POV: You’re the Truck Everyone Won’t Stop Kicking

From tire kickers and door slammers to the hundredth “what engine’s in this thing” question, life on the show floor isn’t exactly easy. In this mockumentary-style video, we flip the script and give you the POV of an Isuzu truck sitting front and center at the booth.

Read More →
Transparent image of the front of a Mack Truck with a darkened windshield.

Mack Trucks Debuts Mack ImpactShield Windshield Technology on All-New Mack Granite

Mack Trucks will now offer the Mack ImpactShield, a windshield made with Corning Fusion5 Glass, as standard equipment on the all-new Mack Granite vocational trucks starting later this year.

Read More →
Composite image showing four different photos of a truck ranging from desert to snow, with an orange stripe across the middle of the image with while logos for International and CV Series.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 29, 2026

International CV Series: Medium-Duty Workhorse to End Production

Although International will end production of its CV Series in September, dealers will continue to support the Class 4-6 work truck, and International sees the MV Series filling the niche needs of fleets that have depended on the CV.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White off-road utility truck in the desert.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 28, 2026

Acela Truck Company Unveils Monterra II Cab-Over Commercial Truck Chassis

Acela Truck Company is replacing its Monterra with the new Monterra II, which it recently debuted. The new truck will be offered in day cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations, along with 4x4 and 6x6 drivetrain options.

Read More →
Image of mountains and multiple small images of truck drivers, headline Last Week to Enter and logo for Star National Experience.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Final Week to Register for Western Star’s Star Nation Experience

This is the final week to register to be part of the Star Nation Experience, a Western Star event that celebrates professional drivers, their skills, and their expertise. It is an all-expenses-paid event built around competition, camaraderie, and the “Never Back Down” spirit that defines the Western Star community.

Read More →
Chris Wolfe presents Freightliner Custom Chassis MT lineup at Work Truck Week 2026, featuring work-in van designs, mobile tool trucks, and utility workspace applications.
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherApril 23, 2026

Not Your Average Work Truck | Freightliner MT Walkaround

Freightliner MT chassis walkthrough from Work Truck Week 2026, featuring real-world applications, mobile workspaces, and fleet-ready configurations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Man standing and talking with clasped hands in front of a poster for Isuzu truck with logo for Truck Chat and Work Truck and headline Latest Trucks & Upfits.
Sponsoredby Lauren FletcherApril 21, 2026

Tour Isuzu’s Latest Trucks & Upfits

Check out Isuzu Commercial Truck of America’s latest trucks as Brian Tabel, assistant vice president of marketing, gives us the tour and provides an update on new features and special upfits.

Read More →
Man in business attire talking and gesturing in front of a truck, tinted blue background, with yellow headline Reading's New Service Bodies, and logos for Truck Chat and Work Truck.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 20, 2026

Reading Truck Launches New Service Bodies

Let’s take a look at the latest service bodies from Reading Truck, the RHD-46 and the RHD-67. Plus, in this video, you will learn about the new Combo Body.

Read More →
Man talking and gesturing in front of a large Kenworth truck, tinted blue in the background, and yellow headline Kenworth's T880S Performance Hood and logos for Truck Chat and Work Truck.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 20, 2026

Advantages of the Kenworth T880S Performance Hood

Take a look at Kenworth’s T880S Performance Hood and hear its advantages from Alex Reid, Kenworth’s vocational marketing manager. He also provides a short overview of the other members of the T880 lineup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Person gesturing toward a big truck, tinted blue in background image, with yellow headline Kenworth's T480 and logos for Work Truck and Truck Chat.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 17, 2026

Walkaround of Kenworth’s T480 Vocational Truck

Work Truck checks out the Kenworth T480, a workhorse of Kenworth’s vocational lineup. This video tour digs into the details of a Class 8 T480 equipped as a water truck.

Read More →