Battery-Electric Freightliner eCascadia Innovates Last-Mile Logistics & Regional Distribution

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With a typical range of 230 miles, the eCascadia is designed for use in last-mile logistics and local and regional distribution routes. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Truck North America.)

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has been testing its battery-electric Freightliner truck since 2018, and the culmination of that real-world testing was recently realized with the official unveiling of the eCascadia at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2022. Freightliner disclosed the eCascadia’s full specifications to the public for the first time, including notable items such as its 230-mile (370-kilometer) typical range, 82,000-pound (37,195-kilogram) gross combination weight (GCW), and availability with single or tandem Detroit eAxles.

“Our industry is faced with its biggest transformation ever, and we are determined to help our valued customers convert this challenge into an opportunity,” says Rakesh Aneja, vice president and chief of eMobility, DTNA. “The powerful and efficient eCascadia, with its innovative safety and connectivity features, represents a significant milestone in our transformation journey. Rooted in rigorous real-world customer testing and embedded in a holistic ecosystem, the eCascadia will help ease the electric transition for our customers.”

The Detroit ePowertrain

The eCascadia’s electric powertrain was developed in-house by DTNA’s Detroit brand. It includes two eAxle designs: a dual motor producing 23,000 pounds-foot (31,200 newton-meters) of torque and maximum power of 395 horsepower (295 kilowatts) or a single motor delivering 11,500 lbf-ft (15,600 N-m) and 195 HP (145 kW). There are three battery options, giving fleet owners the ability to dial in the perfect balance of range and charge time. The 194-kilowatt-hour battery charges fully in one and a half to three hours, the 291-kWh option charges in two to four hours, and the 438-kWh package charges in two to six hours.

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There are three battery options for the eCascadia, so buyers can outfit the battery-electric truck with the optimal range for their needs. (Photo courtesy of Daimler Truck North America.)

Short-Haul Features

Freightliner says the 116-inch day cab-equipped eCascadia is best-suited for routes that allow for depot-based charging, such as drayage, last-mile logistics, regional distribution, and warehouse-to-warehouse applications. The truck’s proprietary Charger Management System works with the Detroit Connect portal to simplify strategic charging during off-peak hours and partial charging when that’s optimal. Detroit’s eFill Charger lineup is available to provide a wide range of charging stations, covering use cases from small shop spaces to entire fleet depots. The eCascadia’s batteries can recharge to 80% in around 90 minutes.

“The eCascadia is a tried and true product that puts the customer first,” says David Carson, DTNA senior vice president, sales and marketing. “Our full electric portfolio, including Detroit eConsulting and eFill Chargers and electric-specific connectivity services, give our customers options to successfully transition to electric.”

Source: Freightliner