Heavy-Duty Engine Manufacturer Detroit Diesel Is Now in the Electric Semi-Truck Business

[TruckElectric]

Parent company Daimler Trucks just injected $20 million into the Michigan facility.
BY CHRIS TSUI FEBRUARY 10, 2021

DETROIT DIESEL


Shortly after announcing its split from the Mercedes-Benz car business, Daimler Trucks is making major moves in electrifying its semi-truck offerings. The company recently announced that subsidiary Detroit Diesel, despite the "diesel" in its name, will be providing its proprietary ePowertrain for use in Freightliner's upcoming eCascadia and eM2 trucks. At the same time, Daimler Trucks also announced the investment of $20 million into the Michigan facility so that it can serve as the supplier of ePowertrain parts for the entire North American market.


To give you a clearer idea of exactly what kind of trucks these things are, the eM2 would be what the layperson would describe as a large moving truck while the eCascadia would be the head of what most recognize as a heavy-duty, 18-wheeler semi.

Using an eAxle design, Detroit's ePowertrain operates at 400 volts and can be had in either single or dual-motor configurations. The single motor setup delivers 180 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque while the dual-motor is good for 360 hp and 23,000 pound-feet. The eCascadia and eM2 will be available with the buyer's choice of three battery sizes: 210, 315, or 475 kWh.

"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, known throughout the industry as having the best total cost of ownership—bar none," said Richard Howard, senior vice president sales and marketing of on-highway segment in a company press release.

As for how all of this translates when the rubber meets the road, Detroit says initial offerings of the medium-duty eM2 will be good for more than 230 miles of range while the Class 8 eCascadia tractor will last 250 miles on a charge. As a reference point, Tesla is promising either 300 or 500 miles of range from its yet-to-be-delivered Semi depending on the model.





SOURCE: THE DRIVE



ZERO EMISSIONS, ALL THE POWER
Lose the emissions – and gain so much more. The Detroit ePowertrain’s electric axle provides maximum torque to get loads moving as well as quick, smooth acceleration on the road. Get ready for an all-electric workhorse that drives efficiency and compromises nothing.

FULLY INTEGRATED FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
The Detroit electric powertrain has Detroit® eAxles and batteries that work together efficiently – and seamlessly integrate with our industry-leading connectivity and safety systems. It all adds up to a smart, all-Detroit solution that provides ultimate performance, maximum efficiency and lower costs for electric powered trucks.

PRECISION-BUILT AND READY FOR THE ROAD.
An eAxle is an electric drivetrain component that’s key to making an electric powered truck less complex and more productive. By integrating an electric motor, transmission and specialized electronics within a compact unit, the eAxle can directly and efficiently power a truck’s wheels. The Detroit ePowertrain provides two Detroit eAxle designs that can be combined to meet the demands of any job:

Dual motor

• Max torque - 23,000 lb-ft
• Max power - 360 hp

Single motor

• Max torque - 11,500 lb-ft
• Max power - 180 hp

Three Detroit battery options offer a range of sizes and average, zero-to-full charging times:

• 210 kWh: 1.5 to 4 hours
• 315 kWh: 2 to 6 hours
• 475 kWh: 2 to 6 hours

SOURCE: Detroit Diesel

 

[CTM]

Sweet, had not seen this yet, thanks for posting

 

[TruckElectric]

Sweet, had not seen this yet, thanks for posting

I wasn't aware that Daimler Trucks North America was the parent organization of Detroit Diesel.

 

[CTM]

I wasn't aware that Daimler Trucks North America was the parent organization of Detroit Diesel.

News to me also, but hey we got Tesla

 

[Idaho_7]

This electric platform is a natural for Motorhomes also. There is plenty of power available at the typical Motorhome RV Campground. Also when stored for a few months the fuels, def, oils etc will no longer be a maintenance problem. So far the inquiries/suggestions to the RV Manufacturers have been met with a somewhat cool reception. However the seed of thought needs to be sewn, even they will wake up sooner than they're thinking.

 

[DarinCT]

I had always seen their eCascadia as a Mercedes-Benz product, probably all my misunderstanding.

They promo'd driving assist tech with the eCascadia a couple years ago iirc. Of all the class 8 offerings, I think this offering is the only real challenger; they got all the beats: autonomous driving, ground-up electric, major manufacturer (still?), product exists. Next hurdle, infrastructure and production.