Daimler Trucks North America says it is going to offer its own Detroit-branded ePowertrain when it begins selling the battery electric-powered Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 next year.
Daimler is Getting a $20 Million Investment
$20 million investment to source the components is what the technology subsidiary in suburban Detroit is getting. Yet, the work will come from a global architecture. This will be to design in fact to create carbon dioxide-neutral commercial vehicles. In fact, Daimler is going to target carbon neutrality in its major market by the year 2039.
Daimler: Seven Brands Offer Similar Components
Seven brands by Daimler’s Trucks’ will offer similar components tailored for its markets and their specific use cases.
“We are giving Freightliner buyers the same standard of confidence that comes with our conventionally powered portfolio, said Richard Howard. He is the DTNA senior vice president of sales and marketing for the unit’s on-highway segment. We are utilizing our Detroit ePowertrain to power the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2.
Automotive Suppliers Offer Electronic Propulsion Systems
Therefore, DTNA’s advance comes as Tier 1 automotive suppliers, including Dana Inc. , Meritor Inc. and BorgWarner Inc., offer combined electric propulsion systems.
For example, Dana won a contract to electrify medium-duty trucks for PACCAR, Inc. brands called Kenworth and Peterbilt. Moreover, Meritor won the Kenworth and Peterbilt business for battery-electric Class 8 tractors.
“There is a level of performance, support, quality and dedication nowehre else buyers can find. This pertains to the uptime and engineering expertise as with our Detroit product portfolio, ” Howard said.
ePowertrain Electronic Axles and Battery Packs
At first, The Detroit ePowertrain will offer an electronic axle (eAxle) design which operates at 400 volts. It will come in two variants. The single motor design is rating at 180 horsepower (hp). It delivers a maximum 11,500 pound-feet of torque. Then, a dual motor variant offers up to 360 hp and comes with 23,000 pound-feet of torque.
Moreover, the Detroit ePowertrain is coupled to one of three battery choices for the eCascadia and eM2. The versions are a 210-kilowatt hour (kWh), a 315 kWh. Then there is a 475 kWh version. The biggest driving range will in fact exceed 230 miles on a full charge for the medium-duty eM2. Also, for 250 miles for the Class 8 eCascadia tractor.
