BREAKING NEWS!! Daimler Truck North America launches first electric Freightliner eCascadia in Motor City for own inbound logistics operation
DETROIT, Mich. (Oct. 31, 2024) - Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA), the leading manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks in North America, has taken another step toward decarbonizing its logistics operations by launching its first battery electric Freightliner eCascadia at its subsidiary, Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit), located in Redford, Michigan. The Freightliner eCascadia will be integrated into DTNA's operations at the Detroit Logistics Center located in Livonia, transporting critical components between Detroit's offsite warehouse and the Redford production facility. The electric truck deployed in Detroit's shuttle program will be operated by Load One LLC, a trusted freight solutions provider for DTNA since 2018. Their route and the consistent payload are ideal for electric truck use. As equipped, the eCascadia has a typical range of 220 miles and will be recharged at the Detroit Logistics Center.
"Detroit's operation is focused on driving efficiency in today's market while preparing for growth over the coming years," said Matt Pfaffenbach, Detroit plant manager. "Investment in key partnerships, like our relationship with Load One, is critical to maintaining success as our industry transforms in the years to come." Load One is a valued partner for its commitment to safety, professionalism, and strong on-time delivery performance, making them an important contributor to Detroit's ongoing success.
As a leader in North American powertrain technology for commercial vehicles, Detroit is a vital component of DTNA's manufacturing ecosystem, spanning 38 acres and encompassing 3.2 million square feet of production space. The facility employs nearly 2,800 people in manufacturing, research and development and support functions, and runs high-volume production on multiple shifts. This includes the eCascadia's electric powertrain, the same system powering the Load One vehicle as it begins Detroit's logistics operations.
"Load One is thrilled to work with our long-term partner Detroit and DTNA as we take the first steps together in ushering in a future generation of class 8 vehicles. Load One continues to work towards advancement and as a good steward to our planet," said John K. Elliott II, executive chairman at Load One.
This initiative aligns with DTNA's broader strategy to integrate electric vehicles into its logistics network, following successful implementations in the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina, Arizona, and Mexico.
At DTNA, sustainability is an integral part of its core business and corporate behavior. The integration of electric vehicles into DTNA's logistics network is one of many initiatives that contribute to DTNA's sustainable operations. In 2020, the Portland truck manufacturing plant, where the eCascadia is built, achieved CO?-neutral production with reduced energy consumption and the offset of on-site emissions. DTNA further plans to incorporate CO?-neutral production at all its remaining truck manufacturing plants by 2026. Moreover, DTNA is actively developing solutions to optimize the entire lifecycle of batteries used in their electric trucks, including repair, remanufacturing, repurposing, and end-of-life recycling. DTNA remains dedicated to innovation and environmental responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to creating a more sustainable supply chain.
About Daimler Truck North America
Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a leading provider of comprehensive products, services and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. Daimler Truck North America LLC designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Daimler Truck North America LLC is a subsidiary of Daimler Truck Holding AG (DTG), one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
About Detroit
Detroit is a single-source trucking business solution that offers mid-range and heavy-duty diesel engines, ePowertrains, transmissions, axles, safety systems, and connected vehicle services for on-highway and vocational commercial markets. Detroit products are sold and serviced through a network of hundreds of locations in North America. For more information, or to find the nearest Detroit location, visit DemandDetroit.com. Detroit is a brand of Detroit Diesel Corporation, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America LLC.