Mack Trucks has donated a 2022 Mack LR Electric refuse chassis to Río Hondo College in Whittier, California, advancing the college’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle (EV) training program into the heavy-duty truck segment. This fully electric refuse chassis—Mack’s first of its kind—supports zero tailpipe emissions and a quieter, more environmentally friendly operation, aligning with growing sustainability goals in the transportation industry.
This marks Mack Trucks’ first donation to Río Hondo College and represents a key step in the company’s continued support for technical education. The LR Electric chassis will serve as an essential learning tool for students training to work on high-voltage, heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which typically operate between 400 and 600 volts.
“As 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,” said Jonathan Randall, President, Mack Trucks North America. “This partnership aligns Mack Trucks’ commitment to sustainability and technical education.”
Led by Professor John Frala, Río Hondo College’s EV program has been a leader in alternative fuel education for three decades. The school previously partnered with Volvo Group through the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, which showcased advancements in heavy-duty electric vehicle technologies.
“This donation will give our program a significant boost as we expand from light-duty electric vehicles into the heavy-duty market,” Frala said. “Our students will gain invaluable experience working with cutting-edge technology that will prepare them for the future of transportation maintenance and repair.”
The contribution comes as the trucking sector increasingly embraces alternative fuel solutions, giving students hands-on exposure to advanced EV systems and preparing them for evolving industry demands.
For more information, visit www.macktrucks.com.