- Mack Trucks will sell a Class 8 electric truck called the Pioneer.
- It has over 300 miles of range on a full charge.
- Two cab types will be available.
American company Mack Trucks will add a third electric model to its portfolio, and this time it’s a direct competitor to the Tesla Semi. The battery-powered Mack Pioneer will go on sale next year with a maximum estimated driving range of over 300 miles.
Per Mack Trucks, the electric Pioneer, which is based on the latest-generation Class 8 truck with the same name, is intended for Regional Haul, Drayage, and Hub-and-spoke operations. In other words, the electric rig was designed for trips of up to 300 miles, as well as low-speed operations around ports and transport hubs. Two cab types will be available: a Day Cab and a 44-inch Short Sleeper.
As a reminder, the Tesla Semis in PepsiCo’s fleet—the only one in commercial operation so far—usually travel less than 100 miles on a daily basis, despite Tesla advertising between 300 and 500 miles on a full charge. That fits perfectly with what Mack’s Pioneer will be able to handle, at least judging from the initial data. However, there’s one big differentiating factor that could still keep the Semi ahead of the Pioneer, and that’s the charging speed.
Tesla’s Class 8 tractor can accept up to 750 kilowatts of power from a Megacharger, allowing it to replenish 70% of its range in 30 minutes and do 1,000 miles in 24 hours. Meanwhile, Mack has been tight-lipped about its Class 8 hauler’s charging capabilities. For reference, Mack’s other electric trucks can charge at up to 150 kW.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about the upcoming Pioneer EV, but we do know that it will be powered by American-made batteries made by Proterra. If that name rings a bell, it might be because it filed for bankruptcy two years ago. Specializing in electric buses and electric vehicle parts, including charging stations and battery packs, Proterra’s battery business was picked up by Volvo Group for $210 million last year. Volvo Group also owns Mack Trucks.
Gallery: Mack Pioneer 2026
According to the truck maker, the Proterra H2-23 battery that will power the Mack Pioneer EV has been rigorously tested in-house to make sure it can withstand the hardships of the heavy-duty truck market, as well as delivering fast charging speeds. The battery sends electricity to Mack's in-house e-axle.
The combustion-powered Pioneer truck is touted by Mack as being its most fuel-efficient model ever, with an 11% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the equivalent prior model. While the powertrain and transmission upgrades of the diesel-powered Pioneer won’t have an impact on the electric version’s efficiency, the digital mirror system will. Mack claims this system alone, which replaces traditional side mirrors with cameras, can deliver about 1% in fuel savings for fleets. The Tesla Semi also uses video cameras instead of mirrors to boost efficiency.
The Pioneer will be Mack Trucks’ third electric model, after the utility-oriented LR and medium-duty MD.
