Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has announced that its proprietary Detroit ePowertrain will power the upcoming Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2, as part of Daimler Trucks’ strategy to establish a uniform basic architecture for its global line-up of battery-electric vehicles.

Daimler also announced plans to invest $20 million in its subsidiary Detroit’s manufacturing facility located in—wait for it—Detroit, Michigan, which will serve as the North American source of Detroit ePowertrain components.

Initially, the Detroit ePowertrain will offer an eAxle design operating at 400 volts, and will be offered in two variants suitable for a variety of commercial vehicle applications. The single-motor design is rated at 180 horsepower, and delivers maximum torque of up to 11,500 lb-ft, while the dual-motor design offers up to 360 hp and 23,000 lb-ft. The Detroit ePowertrain can be mated to one of three battery options for the eCascadia and eM2: a 210 kWh version, a 315 kWh version and a 475 kWh version. The battery packs are comprised of arrays of prismatic lithium-ion cells. Detroit’s first ePowertrain offerings will offer a maximum range of at least 230 miles for the medium-duty eM2 and 250 miles for the Class 8 eCascadia tractor.

“The combination of Freightliner and Detroit has been delivering an incredible experience to our valued customers for over four decades,” said Rakesh Aneja, head of eMobility at DTNA. “An integrated ePowertrain from Detroit respects that legacy and moves us into a new era for the industry by improving operational efficiency while simultaneously eliminating tailpipe emissions.”

“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 DTNA Senior VP Richard Howard.

Initial production of the Detroit ePowertrain is expected to begin in late 2021. The start of production for both Freightliner models will begin in 2022. 

Sources: Daimler, Heavy Duty Trucking, FleetOwner