ALLENTOWN, PA (Oct. 8, 2024) – MackDefense announced today that it will feature the Mack® MD6 Electric model at its booth at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 14-16, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
“Mack has long been associated with the U.S. Armed Forces, providing support on the battlefield since World War I,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “However, Mack, a 124-year-old company, isn’t resting on its laurels. Mack continues to design and develop innovative trucks, like battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) such as the Mack MD Electric, shown here today. We are proud of Mack’s history, and we look forward to our continued innovations in products and services.”
The Mack MD6 Electric model is being shown at booth No. 8333 at AUSA. Developed specifically for medium-duty applications, the Mack MD Electric is built with the same focus on reliability, durability and productivity customers have come to expect from a Mack truck. The MD Electric is available in 4×2 configurations featuring a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings.
The U.S. Armed Forces are actively evaluating how electric vehicle technologies can be applied to the variety of vehicles used for logistics and for combat operations. The Mack MD Electric is being used in a myriad of commercial applications providing valuable feedback from users, as well as real-world testing of the various subsystems, such as the energy storage systems, the electric motors, power management systems and the electrification of items such as power steering, A/C and air compressors.
“This experience will allow Mack Defense to utilize these proven subsystems to develop solutions that meet the needs of the U.S. Armed forces,” Hartzell said.
Produced at the Mack Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO) facility in Salem, Virginia, the Mack MD Electric can be configured as a Class 6 or Class 7 vehicle. The Class 6 model has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the Class 7 model has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET).
The MD Electric features a three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous 260 horsepower motor powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries, rated at 240kWh.
The MD Series cab design features a short bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 103 inches, an industry best. Similar to the diesel-powered Mack MD Series, Mack matched the bold look and styling of the Mack Anthem®, Mack’s highway model, as a basis for the MD Electric grille and hood design. The Mack MD Electric will be supported by Mack dealers, many of which are already Mack Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealers.
The MD Electric will meet the needs of trucking applications requiring dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed and dump vocations. The MD6 model does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads.
Mack Defense is a member of AUSA, which has a vision to be the premier voice for American soldiers. AUSA is committed to building the best professional and representative association for the U.S. Army. Morethan 33,000 attendees visited AUSA in 2023, with morethan 650 exhibitors representing 80 countries fromaround the world.