Mack Trucks teamed up with Terex Utilities to introduce a fully electric bucket truck, the company announced Wednesday.
"This electric bucket truck represents the next natural step in our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions," says George Fotopoulos, vice president of e-mobility at Mack Trucks. "Our lightweight electric chassis provides the capability to handle more demanding applications, and when combined with Terex's expertise in utility equipment, we're delivering a solution that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in zero tailpipe emissions utility vehicles."
[RELATED: Mack enhancing customer connectivity with new features]
The new truck — which will be showcased at NTEA Work Truck Week, March 4-7 in Indianapolis — pairs the Mack MD7 chassis with Terex's Optima HR55 aerial device. Terex says the MD Electric chassis enables up to 1.5 times greater range compared with other Class6-7 medium-duty electric bucket trucks with double the rear axle payload capacity.
"Our collaboration with Mack Trucks represents continued movement forward in zero tailpipe emissions utility vehicles," says Tyler Schwingler, product marketing manager at Terex. "By combining our industry-leading Optima HR55 aerial device with Mack's innovative MDe7 chassis, we're providing utility companies with a solution that doesn't compromise on performance or capability while meeting their sustainability goals."
[RELATED: January Class 8 orders nudge downward]
The aerial device is powered by the HyPower SmartPTO from Viatec, which operates independently from the truck's power system. This configuration allows utility crews to complete a normal workday with the boom and outriggers without impacting the truck's range.
"Electric utilities now have an EV truck with the apparatuses they need to service poles and lines, and it's fueled by what they produce — electricity," Fotopoulos says. "As we continue to work with body builders to progress the MD Electric across various Class 6 and 7 commercial truck applications, this collaboration demonstrates Mack's commitment to delivering sustainable solutions that meet our customers' specific needs."
The bucket truck will be available in limited quantities this year.
