Mack Trucks announced that it is donating a 2022 Mack庐 LR Electric refuse chassis to R铆o Hondo College in Whittier, California, bolstering the college鈥檚 efforts to expand its electric vehicle (EV) training program into the heavy-duty sector. The Mack LR Electric is Mack鈥檚 first fully electric refuse vehicle, designed to help customers meet their sustainability goals with zero tailpipe emissions and a quieter, cleaner operation.
This donation marks a significant milestone in Mack Trucks鈥� ongoing support of technical education and represents the company鈥檚 first donation to R铆o Hondo College. The chassis will provide hands-on training opportunities for students learning to safely work on heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which operate at 400-600 volts.
鈥淎s the industry continues exploring alternative fuel solutions, including battery electric vehicles, this donation will help prepare the next generation of technicians for careers in sustainable transportation,鈥� said Jonthan Randall, president, Mack Trucks North America. 鈥淭his partnership aligns Mack Trucks鈥� commitment to sustainability and technical education.鈥�
R铆o Hondo College鈥檚 electric vehicle program, led by professor John Frala, has been at the forefront of alternative fuel education for 30 years. The college previously collaborated with Volvo Group through the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, a pioneering initiative demonstrating heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle technology.
鈥淭his donation will give our program a significant boost as we expand from light-duty electric vehicles into the heavy-duty market,鈥� Frala said. 鈥淥ur students will gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technology that will prepare them for the future of transportation maintenance and repair.鈥�
The chassis donation comes at a pivotal time as the trucking industry continues moving toward alternative fuel solutions. The hands-on experience students will gain working with this equipment will provide them with specialized skills that are increasingly in demand across the industry.