Mack Trucks is making strides in the development of a new Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program for the US Marine Corps. The company has started constructing prototype medium-duty vehicles with hybrid electric power, which will be used by the Marine Corps in the near future.
Initially, the Marine Corps had outlined specific requirements for the MTT fleet, focusing on cargo variants with different bed configurations. These requirements also included hybrid-electric power and the capability for on-board power generation. This presented a perfect opportunity for Mack Trucks to leverage their expertise in electric vehicles and incorporate a compact, quiet-running 105 kW D5 ICE engine from Volvo, their parent company, in a ReVolt-style EREV setup.
While the details of the prototype trucks are being kept confidential by Mack Trucks and Mack Defense, it is clear that these vehicles will play a crucial role in the Marine Corps’ infrastructure. The new family of vehicles will replace the existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet, which includes various types of trucks used for combat support missions.
The prototype trucks are expected to be completed by the second half of 2025 and will undergo testing in early 2026. This marks a significant step forward in the electrification of the US military, despite some opposition from certain political factions.
The ability to generate fuel on the move, operate silently, and maintain high performance levels gives electric vehicles a tactical advantage that is hard to beat. With the addition of a flex-fuel range-extender for backup power, the Mack MTT prototype seems poised to be a successful addition to the Marine Corps’ fleet.
In conclusion, Mack Trucks’ development of the MTT prototype vehicles showcases their commitment to innovation and adaptability in meeting the rigorous requirements of military applications. The integration of hybrid-electric power and advanced safety features will ensure that these vehicles can perform in the most challenging terrains and support the Marine Corps in their critical missions.
