How Mountain Valley Express is leading the charge with the Mack MD Electric truck

As regulations tighten and sustainability becomes a key priority for companies, customers and shareholders, Mountain Valley Express (MVE) is taking proactive steps to modernize its fleet. The Jurupa Valley, California-based LTL carrier partnered with Mack Trucks to test the Mack® MD Electric truck over six months, evaluating how an electric vehicle fits into their asset-based fleet operations.

Judas Castro, CEO of Mountain Valley Express says his company’s sustainability mission drives their efforts to not only focus on long-term compliance with the state’s regulations but also their customers’ desire to partner with fleets offering solutions for carbon emission reduction.

“We chose to test the new Mack MD Electric because of our company’s long-term vision of eventually electrifying the fleet,” Castro says. Castro explains that it’s crucial to be compliant, especially in a state like California, but also to be ahead of regulations coming down the pikes.

Castro emphasizes that this test vehicle experience was a true partnership, because while MVE was able to look at the logistics of deploying electric vehicles, they were also able to provide feedback that helps Mack Trucks improve their products. “We have feedback loops between us, and as the process gets better, we get better at using the products. Working with Mack Trucks to test the MD Electric has been a great experience, and we plan to continue our partnership,” Castro says.

Testing electric in real-world conditions

MVE’s maintenance team, led by Luis Lopez, played a crucial role in assessing the Mack MD Electric’s performance and integrating it into daily operations.

“It takes operating an electric truck in real-life applications to really understand how successful it will be,” Lopez explains.

He worked with his Mack dealer rep, Bill Day with TEC Equipment, who set them up with the equipment and support to test the Mack MD Electric. “We’ve had a strong relationship with Bill over the years, and he sold us on the idea. With an eye on California’s regulations and new ones coming, this seemed like a good way to test the water,” Lopez says.

He adds that they will eventually be required to have electric vehicles make up at least 35% of the fleet. MVE looked at this as an opportunity to test an electric truck ahead of the mandates and be pioneers among the company’s multiple southwestern US locations.

Lopez says it was a learning experience across the board, and everyone needed training on the processes involved in operating an electric vehicle.

Feedback from drivers, once they got the hang of things, was positive. Drivers were enthusiastic about the maneuverability, comfort and power of the MD Electric. They also noted how quiet it runs. “It helps them focus on driving, and they say they are more aware of noises such as sirens with the electric truck,” Lopez says.

One big plus was the MD Electric’s power to accelerate, especially on hills. The Mack MD Electric they tested runs on185 hp continuous with 260 hp peak and 960 lb-ft of torque, continuous, with 1,850 lb-ft max and battery capacity 150kWh.

“Rugged terrain and a wide variety of routes requires a powerful truck capable of hauling 10,000 pounds up and down hills with ease. The MD Electric delivers both performance and range,” Lopez says.

Once the drivers operated the MD Electric and worked through the day-to-day challenges of a whole new product, they were able to see the overall picture. “The safety, comfort and productivity of our drivers is crucial to our company and our customer satisfaction. The MD Electric delivers on all those points,” Lopez says.

Overcoming the learning curve

Charging logistics posed an initial challenge, requiring adjustments in route planning and daily operations. MVE used a 50-kWh charger by Helios, and it took about four hours to fully charge the vehicle. The testing process included gradually increasing their range estimates from 100 miles to 150 miles, with a 30% reserve charge on return.

“Once we learned how far we could go, we were able to plan pickups and deliveries accordingly,” Lopez says. He credits Mack Trucks and TEC Equipment for providing crucial support throughout the test.

“If I had an issue, no questions asked, they would take the truck, fix it, and bring it back,” he adds.

“Obviously everybody's scared of the unknown, with the electric being the scare factor here. And so, we had a lot of people questioning, how it was going to perform once we got over all those hurdles. If it was my company, I would fill it up with all Mack trucks,” Lopez says.

Looking ahead

The Mack MD Electric trial was a positive experience for both Mack Trucks and MVE. Castro emphasizes how the key component of any trial is found by training the end users and providing good feedback to their Mack Trucks partners. “We are looking forward to continue to participate in this program as we continue to invest on electrifying the fleet.”

As California moves toward stricter emissions regulations, MVE is preparing for a future where electric trucks will be a necessity rather than an option.

For MVE, the road to electrification is just beginning—but with strong partnerships and real-world testing, they’re leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.