Daimler Trucks’ leading U.S. truck brand,
Freightliner, unveiled two new fully-electric models in the heavy-duty
eCascadia and the medium-duty eM2.
The two new e-trucks join the Mercedes eActros, the
FUSO eCanter, the Mercedes Citaro EV city buss and the Thomas Built Saf-T Liner
C2 Jouley school bus, giving Daimler Trucks & Buses the broadest portfolio
of fully-electric commercial vehicles in the world. Over the course of this
year, Daimler Trucks will be handing over a fleet of around 30 EV trucks to its
first U.S. customers.
The new Freightliner eCascadia is of course based on
the Cascadia model, which is the most successful heavy-duty long-distance truck
in North America. As a fully-electric model, the eCascadia’s 550 kWh batteries
provide a range of up to 400 km and can be recharged to roughly 80%
within 90 minutes to cover another 320 km. As for power output, it
generates 730 HP, so compared to the Tesla semi, it’s down on power
(presumably) as well as maximum range (up to 966 km according to
Elon Musk).
Meanwhile, the medium-duty eM2 is intended more for
local distribution operations and last-mile delivery services. Its 325 kWh
batteries give it 480 HP and a range of 370 km. You can also charge
the batteries to around 80% within 60 minutes, which should give you a range of
roughly 300 km.
