Mack Trucks, Greensboro, North Carolina, has announced it is the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to evaluate Wrightspeed technology with a Class 8 refuse vehicle. This follows Mack’s showcasing of a Mack LR model truck retrofitted with the Wrightspeed Route 1000 powertrain at WasteExpo 2016, June 7-9 in Las Vegas.
Designed as an alternative driveline, the Wrightspeed Route is a range-extended electric vehicle powertrain designed to reduce fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs.
“Mack is the refuse industry leader because we’re constantly seeking to pioneer new ideas and innovations,” says Dennis Slagle, president of Mack Trucks. “It’s something we’ve done throughout our 116-year history, and it’s something we will continue to do. Wrightspeed shares this pioneering spirit, which is why we’re eager to evaluate their Route powertrain technology.”
The Wrightspeed Route powertrain uses electricity to deliver 100 percent of the vehicle’s propulsion. The system features a plug-in-capable battery pack that enables an electric range of up to 24 miles. When the batteries’ charge is depleted, an 80 kilowatt, Fulcrum turbine generator, which can operate on natural gas or diesel fuel, recharges the batteries, enabling Route-equipped vehicles to have unlimited range with refueling, according to Mack.
Additional recharging comes from the Route’s 730 kilowatt regenerative braking system, which generates electricity as the vehicle comes to a stop. According to Mack, regenerative braking helps Route-equipped vehicles to cut down on maintenance costs, as breaking force, and subsequent brake wear, is decreased.
Electricity from the battery pack powers four Geared Traction Drive (GTD) electric motors, enabling the Route powertrain to power vehicles up to 66,000 pounds on grades as steep as 40 percent. With full torque available from zero rpm, Route provides a driving experience comparable to diesel-powered trucks, Mack says
“At Wrightspeed, we’re focused on designing the best-performing powertrains for forward-looking OEMs and fleet operators,” says Ian Wright, CEO and founder of Wrightspeed. “Mack represents one of the most innovative manufacturers in the refuse industry, and we’re proud to showcase our technology alongside their Mack LR model. We thank them for recognizing our powertrain as a potential addition in their pursuit of innovation."
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