Mack Trucks donated a 2022 Mack LR Electric refuse chassis to Río Hondo College in Whittier, California, to bolster the college’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle (EV) training program into the heavy-duty sector. 

The Mack LR Electric is Mack’s first fully electric refuse vehicle, designed to help customers meet their sustainability goals with zero tailpipe emissions and a quieter, cleaner operation.

Mack said the truck donation marks a significant milestone in its ongoing support of technical education and represents the company’s first donation to Río Hondo College. The chassis will provide hands-on training opportunities for students learning to safely work on heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which operate at 400-600 volts.

“As the industry continues exploring alternative fuel solutions, including battery electric vehicles, this donation will help prepare the next generation of technicians for careers in sustainable transportation,” said Jonthan Randall, president, Mack Trucks North America. “This partnership aligns Mack Trucks’ commitment to sustainability and technical education.”

College Has Provided Alt-Fuel Education for Decades

Río Hondo College’s electric vehicle program, led by professor John Frala, has been at the forefront of alternative fuel education for 30 years. The college previously collaborated with Volvo Group through the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a pioneering initiative demonstrating heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle technology.

“This donation will give our program a significant boost as we expand from light-duty electric vehicles into the heavy-duty market,” Frala said. “Our students will gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technology that will prepare them for the future of transportation maintenance and repair.”

The chassis donation comes at a pivotal time as the trucking industry continues moving toward alternative fuel solutions. The hands-on experience students will gain working with this equipment will provide them with specialized skills increasingly in demand across the industry.