Mack Trucks, part of the Volvo Group, has introduced a new Range Calculator for Electric Vehicles to help customers simulate real-world collection routes for the Mack LR Electric refuse truck.

The Range Calculator uses GPS data collected from a customer’s current routes to predict the number of starts and stops the Mack LR Electric can fulfill on a specific route. It takes into account the battery capacity, application type, ambient temperature, terrain and number of stops on a particular route in order to estimate the amount of energy that will be consumed.

“The Range Calculator for Electric Vehicles is a useful tool for customers and potential customers, so when they’re making the decision about whether to purchase an electric vehicle, they can easily plan collection routes that will be best suited for the vehicle,” said Scott Barraclough, Mack Trucks Senior Product Manager of E-mobility. “The tool is easy to use and can predict when the vehicle should need to be charged, if necessary, so that the proper planning can be made.”

The newest generation of the Mack LR Electric, which was launched in March 2022, is equipped with four NMC batteries with a total capacity of 376 kWh—42 percent more energy than the previous model. Its twin electric motors deliver 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb-ft of peak torque. It also boats a two-speed Mack Powershift transmission, Mack mRIDE suspension and Mack’s proprietary S462R 46,000-pound rear axles.

Charging takes place via a 150 kW SAEJ1772-compliant charging system. Onboard accessories are powered through 12 V, 24 V and 600 V circuits. A two-stage regenerative braking system helps recapture energy from the hundreds of stops the vehicle makes each day with an increasingly heavy load.

The Mack LR Electric can be fitted with equipment bodies from numerous manufacturers based on the needs of the customer. It offers the same driver/passenger-side driving configurations, seating choices and door options as the legacy diesel-powered Mack LR.

Source: Mack Trucks