Pilot Company charging infrastructure partnership enables growth of Mack's electric vehicles

Mack Trucks' plans to grow its electric vehicle sales received a boost when Mack's parent company, the Volvo Group, signed a Letter of Intent with Pilot Company to bring public charging infrastructure to medium- and heavy-duty North American trucks.

The Letter of Intent stipulates that the Volvo Group and its commercial brands will provide their expertise to help identify which locations should be prioritized for electromobility infrastructure, based on current and expected battery-electric truck adoption, user charging requirements, as well as the availability of federal and state funding to offset capital expenses, while Pilot Company intends to install high-performance charging infrastructure at select Pilot and Flying J travel centres across the U.S. There are more than 750 Pilot and Flying J locations throughout North America.

"Partnerships like this one are important for Mack, our industry, and for society as a whole," says Martin Weissburg, president of Mack Trucks and chairman of Volvo Group North America. "Mack and the Volvo Group are committed to being leaders in the transition to zero-emission transportation and accelerating the availability of publicly accessible charging is crucial to achieving the decarbonized, sustainable future we're dedicated to helping bring about."

Mack Trucks currently offers the Class 8 Mack LR Electric refuse model. Launched in March 2022, the next generation Mack LR Electric model offers a standard 376 kWh total battery capacity providing ample energy and range to meet user performance and operational needs. Twin electric motors produce 448 continuous horsepower and 4,051 lb.-ft. of peak torque output from zero RPM.

"Pilot Company and Mack Trucks have been synonymous with the American freight and transportation industries for decades, making this partnership a natural fit," said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. "Together, we will work to identify public funding opportunities and to develop the infrastructure our customers need to move toward zero-emission fleets, helping to create a better world for future generations."

The partnership with Pilot Company will enable BEV users to access selected charging locations located in high-traffic areas of North America, helping to ensure that BEVs have the power necessary to reach their destinations. The charging network will support the increased adoption of BEVs as well as help users reach their sustainability goals.