Mack Trucks unveils MD Electric medium-duty truck with impressive range

Mack MD Electric Medium Duty Truck
The Mack MD Electric features a three-phase 260-hp motor and either a 140-mile or a 230-mile battery pack. Images © Mack Trucks

Mack Trucks, a part of the Volvo Group, has unveiled its latest electric vehicle offering at the National Truck Equipment Association’s 2023 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The Mack MD Electric is the company’s second EV option, following the release of the LR model in 2016 and its subsequent availability in 2021. The medium-duty electric truck is an adaptation of the company’s MD diesel vehicle.

The MD Electric boasts a three-phase electric motor that can produce a peak power of 260 horses (194 kW) and up to 1,850 lb.ft (2,508 Nm) of torque. The vehicle is available in two battery configurations, a 150-kWh or 240-kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide lithium-ion battery pack, and can travel up to 140 miles (225 km) per charge with the two-battery option or 230 miles (370 km) with three batteries installed. The truck also features support for 19.2-kW AC charging and 80-kW DC fast charging, with regenerative braking to recover energy during frequent stops.

The MD Electric is available in Class 6 or Class 7 configurations, both of which are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax, and can haul up to a maximum payload of 19,400 lb (8,800 kg). The vehicle comes in five different wheelbase options to suit various needs, such as dry/refrigeration, stake/flatbed, or dump needs. The MD6 flavor does not require a Commercial Driver’s License for hauling non-hazardous payloads.

The vehicle is built with durability in mind, with a steel front bumper designed to withstand the toughest jobs. Power-sipping LED headlights provide visibility, and a dual-air cab suspension helps smooth out bumps for the driver. An air-suspension ergonomic seat with high-density foam cushions and insulation installed around the cab keeps external noise to a minimum.

Jonathan Randall, the president of Mack Trucks North America, said that the MD Electric “joins the full lineup of Class 6 to 8 vehicles Mack offers to help customers meet their application needs.” The new offering builds on the success of the diesel-powered Mack MD Series and allows customers to meet their sustainability goals without sacrificing the durability, reliability, and total cost of ownership that Mack is known for.

Pricing and availability information for the MD Electric have not yet been disclosed. Check out the video below for more information.

Source: Mack Trucks