Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) will use the proprietary Detroit ePowertrain to power its Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 work trucks. The move helps the company to establish a uniform basic architecture for their broad line-up of battery-electric vehicles around the globe.
Daimler will invest $20 million in its Detroit manufacturing plant, which will serve as the North American source of Detroit ePowertrain components.
“By utilizing 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...,” said Richard Howard, SVP sales and marketing, on-highway segment, in a prepared statement. “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.”
Initially, the ePowertrain will offer an eAxle design operating at 400 volts, which will be available in two variants suitable for a variety of commercial vehicle applications. The single motor design is rated at 180 horsepower, delivering maximum torque of up to 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque, and the dual motor design offers up to 360 horsepower and 23,000 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Detroit ePowertrain will be mated to the choice of three battery offerings for the eCascadia and eM2: 210 kilowatt hour (kWh), 315 kWh, and 475 kWh version. Battery packs are comprised of arrays of lithium-Ion prismatic cells. In Detroit’s first ePowertrain offerings, the maximum range specifications will exceed 230 miles on a full charge for the medium-duty eM2 and 250 miles for the Class 8 eCascadia tractor.
Initial production of the Detroit ePowertrain is expected to begin in late 2021. The start of production for both Freightliner models begins in 2022.
Source: Daimler
