Mack Trucks Donates Electric Refuse Chassis to Río Hondo College
Chassis donation supports expansion of heavy-duty EV technician training program.
Mack Trucks has donated a 2022 Mack LR Electric refuse chassis to Río Hondo College in Whittier, California, to support the school’s growing electric vehicle (EV) training program. The donation marks the company’s first to the college and aims to provide students with hands-on experience servicing heavy-duty battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The Mack LR Electric is the company’s first fully electric refuse truck, designed to deliver zero tailpipe emissions and quieter operation, supporting commercial fleets in meeting their sustainability goals.
“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 of Mack Trucks North America. “This partnership aligns Mack Trucks’ commitment to sustainability and technical education.”
The LR Electric chassis operates at 400–600 volts, offering advanced training opportunities for students enrolled in the college’s EV technician program. The program, led by Professor John Frala, has focused on alternative fuel technologies for more than three decades.
“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.”
Río Hondo College previously partnered with Volvo Group on the Volvo LIGHTS project, a collaborative demonstration of heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle technology.
As the trucking and construction industries accelerate their transition to alternative fuels, the need for qualified technicians with EV expertise continues to grow. Mack’s donation supports workforce development in this critical area.
For more information about Mack Trucks’ initiatives and educational partnerships, visit www.macktrucks.com.
