Mack Trucks Delivers First Mack LR Electric Refuse Vehicle as Part of Groundbreaking “The Bronx Is Breathing” Initiative
Mack Trucks today announced the successful delivery of its first electric refuse vehicle as part of “The Bronx Is Breathing: Reimagining a Cleaner Hunts Point” project. The delivery to Royal Waste Services, Inc., a Waste Connections subsidiary, marks a significant milestone in bringing clean transportation solutions to one of New York's most underserved communities. The delivery of the Mack® LR Electric refuse truck represents progress toward commitments made under a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in partnership with the NYS Department of Public Service (DPS) and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The electric refuse truck deployment coincides with the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s (NYCEDC) announcement of MN8 Energy’s selection to build the city’s first community-driven, freight-focused electric vehicle charging depot in the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. Additionally, the Fulton Fish Market Co-Op, the largest fish market in the U.S., will receive four medium-duty Mack® MD model electric vehicles to aid in zero tailpipe-emissions logistics. This comprehensive approach supports both environmental and economic goals in Hunts Point, home to nearly 13,000 residents in the southern tier of the poorest urban congressional district in the United States
“This delivery represents more than just a new vehicle,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “It’s a tangible step toward advancing sustainable transportation and demonstrates how the transportation industry can support community environmental goals. The Mack LR Electric offers zero-emission operation while providing Royal Waste Services with a reliable solution for its operations.”
The Bronx Is Breathing initiative was designed to tackle the dual challenges facing Hunts Point: environmental inequity from heavy truck traffic serving the nation’s largest wholesale food hub and nine waste transfer facilities, along with economic insecurity affecting local residents. By electrifying local truck fleets, the project offers the most direct approach to comprehensively addressing freight transportation emissions in the area while creating opportunities for community economic participation.
Advanced Electric Technology for Urban Operations
The next-generation Mack LR Electric delivered to Royal Waste Services features a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity, providing 42 percent more energy and increased range between charges, compared with earlier models. Twin electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM, making it ideally suited for the stop-and-start nature of urban refuse collection.
The vehicle is equipped with four NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide) lithium-ion batteries charged through a 150 kW, SAE J1772-compliant charging system. Energy from the two-stage regenerative braking system is recaptured from the hundreds of stops the LR Electric makes each day, maximizing efficiency as its load increases throughout collection routes.
The LR Electric is easily recognizable by its copper-colored Bulldog on the cab, denoting the all-electric powertrain, while offering the same driver- and passenger-side configurations and customization options as the diesel-powered Mack LR model.
High-Strength Steel Cab with Superior Crash Protection
The Mack® Pioneer features a high-strength steel cab that exceeds federal safety requirements and additional rigorous global testing protocols. The cab has been tested against Swedish Impact (BOF10) standards and UN ECE R29 Cab Strength protocols. Additional tests, including frontal sled, trailer barrier and 90-degree rollover scenarios, also were conducted.
“Our cab design prioritizes driver protection under all circumstances,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “We’ve subjected the Pioneer to extensive testing beyond what’s federally required, including specialized roof crush, A-pillar and rear-wall impact scenarios to ensure maximum occupant protection.”
Supporting Comprehensive Infrastructure Development
The vehicle will utilize charging infrastructure at the planned MN8 Energy charging depot, which will include 32 Direct Charging Fast Chargers and 10 Level-2 chargers on a 3.2-acre brownfield site. The facility will support both Medium-Duty (MD), Heavy-Duty (HD) and Light-Duty (LD) electric vehicles, creating an ecosystem for zero-tailpipe emissions freight operations in Hunts Point.
“Integrating this zero-emission Mack LR Electric into our fleet demonstrates that electric refuse collection can be both operationally effective and environmentally responsible," said Michael Angelo Reali, district manager for Royal Waste Services. “This partnership with Mack Trucks and the broader Bronx Is Breathing initiative allows us to serve the Hunts Point community while reducing our environmental footprint and supporting the transition to cleaner transportation solutions.”
Advancing Sustainability Goals
The delivery supports Mack’s goal to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle kilometer by 40 percent by 2030 and aligns with New York State’s goal of an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“We are honored to advance our commitment to the Hunts Point community and demonstrate that sustainable transportation solutions can drive both environmental and economic benefits,” Randall said. “This collaboration exemplifies how industry can work alongside local communities to create a more sustainable future.”
