Mack MD Electric Hits the Road

Mack Trucks is diving headfirst into the world of electric trucks with their MD Electric models. These battery-electric beauties are joining the MD series of diesel trucks that have been cruising around since 2020. And we’ve got the scoop for you, straight from a cool demo at Sonoma Raceway in sunny California!

So, what’s the buzz? Well, the big shots at Mack Trucks say that the MD Electric trucks started rolling off the production line in October. You can expect to see these electrifying rigs hitting the dealerships early next year.

Now, what’s under the hood of these Class 6 and 7 MD-E trucks? They’ve got a Sea Electric powertrain packing a 260-horsepower motor, a couple of lithium-ion batteries, and some nifty controllers running at 400 volts. You’ve got two range options, 140 or 230 miles, which is pretty awesome for most midrange truck routes.

What’s even cooler is that these E models sport the same Meritor front and rear axles as their diesel cousins. These motors are doing their thing separate from the axle differentials. The cabs and chassis are straight from the diesel models, with just a few tweaks to make them electric-ready.

Now, here’s the kicker – electric trucks can cost a pretty penny, about double what you’d shell out for a diesel. But don’t sweat it; Mack’s got your back with their “ElectriFi” subscription service. It’s like a financial lifeline to make that electric dream come true. They’ll hook you up with charging stations, help you get the power supply sorted, and even assist in setting up some eco-friendly power generation with solar panels and wind turbines.

And that’s not all, folks! Mack is getting their dealers up to speed on the whole e-truck deal. They’re making sure the tools, parts, equipment, and training are top-notch. You can even get an all-inclusive maintenance service based on the miles you run. The more you drive, the lower the cost per mile. And you can hop on or off the wagon when your term ends.

But here’s the best part, you don’t need a whole fleet of MD-Es to get in on this action. Just one of these electric wonders is enough to get your subscription going. Fleet managers are loving the idea of going electric, so you can start small and ease your way into it.

Now, let’s talk about the ride. A couple of lucky folks got to take the MD-Es for a spin at the Sonoma Raceway, and they were impressed. These trucks are quick and oh-so-quiet. Unlike those noisy diesel engines that need to rev up, electric motors deliver strong torque right from the get-go. So, you’ll enjoy a smooth and hush-hush ride. There might be a little cab rattling, but hey, who’s complaining when you’re cruising quietly?

The MD Electric handles like a champ. The cab sits up high, giving you that big truck feel without all the bulk of a Class 8. You’ve got easy-peasy push buttons for drive, neutral, and reverse, and there’s no transmission to worry about. The motor kicks in, taking you from 0 to 70 mph in a flash.

And let’s not forget the cool instruments in there. No more engine condition gauges. You’ve got a nifty dial showing your battery energy levels. Whenever you hit the brakes or back off the gas, it starts charging. You can even tweak the regen levels to save on those brake linings.

All the accessories in the MD-E are electric, from the power steering pump to the A/C compressor. Even the air compressor, hidden on the curb-side frame rail, powers the brakes and airbags, and you can barely hear it from inside the cab.

Mack’s got something “off-the-shelf” in these trucks with the Sea Electric powertrain, and it’s just the right fit for medium-duty tasks. These electric wonders come with a muscular motor positioned ahead of the rear axle. And of course, there’s the snazzy copper-colored bulldog hood ornament that sets them apart from their diesel siblings.

So there you have it, folks! Mack Trucks is bringing electric power to the MD series, and it looks like a smooth ride. Get ready for the future of trucking – it’s electric, and it’s here to stay!