Mack Trucks has introduced a mobile off-grid charging system aimed at helping fleet managers assess the feasibility of integrating electric trucks into their operations. The announcement was made at the American Trucking Associations Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting, where renderings of a Mack MD Electric truck equipped with a “renewable propane” powered generator and 120 kW charger were showcased.
Ryan Saba, Mack Trucks’ energy solutions manager, explained that this system allows customers or dealers to charge trucks, whether for a demo unit or a multi-unit ride-and-drive event, without requiring charging infrastructure at their site. The goal is to provide a practical way for customers to experience the benefits of e-mobility and sustainable transportation options.
The Mack MD Electric, which serves as the platform for the mobile charging system, is a versatile truck available in Class 6 or Class 7 configurations. It features a three-phase 260 hp motor and a massive 240 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion battery pack, providing up to 230 miles of range.
The MD Electric is Mack’s second electric truck to enter production, following the Mack LR Electric Class 8 refuse truck, which has been in series production since 2021 (with pilot programs dating back to 2019). The high demand for the MD range suggests that the mobile charging system, despite being mounted on a specific truck model, could play a significant role in convincing operators of the readiness of electric semi trucks for prime time.
