Freightliner eM2 midsize electric truck goes into production – Smart Fuel
Production of the Freightliner eM2 has begun.
Photo: DTNA
Daimler Truck North America has begun production of the Freightliner eM2, a battery-electric medium-duty truck designed for pickup and delivery applications. These vehicles are manufactured at DTNA’s truck manufacturing plant in Portland, Oregon.
The first U.S. production units will be delivered to Ferguson, Hogan Truck Leasing, Penske Truck Leasing, Pitt Ohio, Ryder System, Titan Freight Systems and Velocity Truck Rental & Leasing. In Canada, the first units will go to Brossard Leasing and Day & Ross.
“The start of production of this versatile truck marks another important milestone in our journey towards a zero-emission production line,” said Rakesh Aneja, Head of E-Mobility at DTNA.
eM2 cargo ship
The eM2 is built on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus platform and follows the introduction of the battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia aircraft in 2022, expanding CO2-neutral transportation into the medium-duty segment. It currently holds a leading position with eCascadia in the Class 8 market, based on available Polk registration data from the beginning of the year through September 2023, DTNA said.
DTNA first revealed the eM2 in 2018, and HDT got a ride on the mid-sized electric vehicle in 2019. The company originally announced it would take orders for the eM2 in 2021, and plans to begin production in late 2022.
The eM2 features a proprietary, fully integrated Detroit ePowertrain battery-powered electric motor. Its streamlined design places the electric motors and two-speed transmission directly on the drive axles, resulting in a lower energy cost per mile, according to DTNA.
Driving range varies based on the eM2’s two battery capacity options.
The single-motor 6 Series model offers up to 190 continuous horsepower, a 194 kWh battery, and a typical range of 180 miles on a single charge.
The dual-motor 7 Series model delivers up to 255 continuous horsepower, powered by a 291 kWh battery, offering a typical range of 250 miles on a single charge.
Safety features of the Freightliner eM2
Standard safety features on the Freightliner eM2 now include:
- Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5)
- Tailgate warning
- Adaptive cruise control up to 0 mph
- Lane departure warning
- Smart high beams
- Automatic wipers/headlights
- Side guard assistance
eM2 freighter connectivity
The eM2 is further enhanced by Detroit Connect, a cutting-edge solution for connected vehicles that facilitates real-time monitoring of battery health, charging status and power usage, DTNA said. This connectivity enables efficient route planning, energy optimization and post-trip data analysis to improve overall energy efficiency.
The eM2 follows Freightliner’s existing battery-electric truck, the eCascadia.
Photo: DTNA
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