Daimler Trucks North America announces an increased investment into its lineup of all-electric semi-trucks: the eCascadia heavy-duty semi and the eM2 medium-duty trucks. These two lines of trucks will use the latest Detroit ePowertrain that is comprised of several different battery packs and electric motors capable of putting down up to 23,000 lb-ft of grounded torque. Production of the ePowertrain components will begin in late 2021, and the electric trucks will begin production starting in 2022 (according to the company).
Here are the specs we know so far. The most simple and least expensive option is a truck with one drive axle that is equipped with an electric motor that produces 180 horsepower and up to 11,500 lb-ft of grounded (or wheel) torque. This system operates at 400 volts. Grounded or wheel torque is the only specification that Freightliner provided. This is a torque rating that is measured at the wheels after the electric motor’s torque is multiplied by a two-speed transmission.
The larger tandem-axle trucks will offer a dual-motor system, one separate motor for each eAxle. The power output is doubled to a total of 360 horsepower and 23,000 lb-ft of grounded torque.
These trucks will be offered with up to three different battery capacities for different use cases and total driving ranges. The battery sizes are 210 kWh, 315 kWh, and 475 kWh. These battery sizes will allow the eM2 medium-duty truck a maximum driving range of around 230 miles. While the longest driving range for the eCascadia is 250 miles.
The charging times and pricing have not yet been announced.
Here is a close look at an older diesel-powered Freightliner Cascadia.
And here is another look at a medium-duty Freightliner M2 sports chassis heavy Summit Hauler.
