Mobile, Alabama, have ordered a Mack LR Electric Class 8 refuse vehicle to help the city achieve its goals of being more energy efficient.
“Mack would like to thank and congratulate the City of Mobile for its advancement toward electrification,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks senior vice president of sales and commercial operations.
“For over a century, Mack Trucks has led the refuse segment through many changes, and it’s only natural that Mack once again leads the way with the latest technology. We look forward to furthering our commitment and the City of Mobile’s commitment to sustainability efforts.”
The Mack LR Electric model will be the City of Mobile’s first electric vehicle to operate in its fleet of 26 refuse trucks. The city plans to continue to seek grants to help with the purchase of charging stations and the development of a comprehensive electric vehicle plan.
“As the first electric vehicle in our public services fleet, we wanted something that could keep up with our existing trucks and our team members could quickly learn to operate,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said.
“The LR Electric provides the kind of comfort and usability we wanted for our staff, as well as the reliability we’ve come to expect from a Mack truck.”
Mack LR electric was chosen by Mobile due to its commitment to a delivery schedule that met the cities needs. They also are said to provide specific types of electric refuse vehicles the city needs.
The Mack is powered by lithium-ion batteries which are charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. The electric vehicle has twin electric motors which produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4051 lb.-ft of peak torque output from zero RPM.
Mobile’s Mack LR Electric will be equipped with an automated side-loader and will operate in residential areas. Mobile is investing in a Portable Superfast DC Charger. The company has said portable charging stations will enable the city to test different locations and serve as backup support once permanent charging stations are chosen and installed. Mobile’s LR Electric model will be supported by Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co.
