Mack unveils first turbine hybrid refuse truck

Mack Trucks revealed the first Class 8 refuse truck with Wrightspeed’s turbine supported at WasteExpo 2016. A Mack LR that was retrofitted with the Wrightspeed Route 1000 was on display at the truck manufacturer’s booth inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Mack is the first OEM that will be testing the alternative driveline.

The Wrightspeed Route powertrain uses electricity to deliver 100 percent of the vehicle’s propulsion. The system features an advanced plug-in-capable battery pack that enables a purely electric range of up to 24 miles. When the batteries’ charge is depleted, an 80 kW, fuel agnostic 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. Additional recharging comes from the Route’s 730 kW regenerative braking system, which generates electricity as the vehicle comes to a stop. Regenerative braking helps Route-equipped vehicles to cut down on maintenance costs, as braking force – and subsequent brake wear – is significantly 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, the Route provides a driving experience comparable to diesel-powered trucks.