Announcement includes huge investment in Detroit manufacturing facility
A Detroit ePowertrain will power the upcoming Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 models, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announces.
As part of the move, DTNA plans to invest US$20 million (A$26 million) in the Detroit manufacturing facility in Michigan, which will serve as the North American source of Detroit ePowertrain components.
DTNA notes it forms its global platform strategy to establish a uniform basic architecture for a broad line-up of battery-electric vehicles around the globe, while its use in North America delivers the company global synergies and economies of scale for carbon-neutral commercial vehicles.
“By utilising our Detroit ePowertrain to power the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2, we are giving Freightliner buyers the same level of confidence that comes with our conventionally-powered portfolio, known throughout the industry as having the best total cost of ownership – bar none,” DTNA senior vice president sales and marketing – on-highway segment Richard Howard says.
“Nowhere else can buyers find the level of performance, support, quality, dedication to uptime, and engineering expertise as with our Detroit product portfolio.
“Our investment in Detroit – and in the city of the same name – harkens a new era for a storied name in the global automotive landscape.”
How Daimler outlined its electrification technology strategy last year, here
Initially, the Detroit ePowertrain will offer an eAxle design operating at 400 volts and be offered in two variants suitable for a variety of commercial vehicle applications.
The single motor design is rated at 180hp, delivering maximum torque of up to 11,500 lb-ft (15,591.91Nm) of torque, while the dual motor design offers up to 360hp and 23,000 lb-ft (31,183.81Nm) of torque.
The Detroit ePowertrain will be mated to the choice of three battery offerings for the eCascadia and eM2, including a 210 kilowatt hour (kWh) version, 315 kWh, and 475 kWh.
Battery packs comprise arrays of lithium-Ion prismatic cells.
Initial ePowertrain offerings will see maximum ranges exceed 230 miles (370km) on a full charge for the medium-duty eM2 and 250 (402) miles for the Class 8 eCascadia tractor.
“The combination of Freightliner and Detroit has been delivering an incredible experience to our valued customers for over four decades,” DTNA head of eMobility Rakesh Aneja says.
“An integrated ePowertrain from Detroit respects that legacy and moves us into a new era for the industry by improving operational efficiency while simultaneously eliminating tailpipe emissions.”
Initial production of the Detroit ePowertrain is expected to begin in late 2021, with production for both Freightliner models to begin in 2022.