Daimler Truck North America has begun production of its Freightliner eM2, a battery-electric, medium-duty truck designed for pickup and delivery, DTNA announced in a press release.
“The start of production for this versatile truck marks another important milestone on our journey to a zero-emissions product line,” said Rakesh Aneja, head of eMobility at DTNA. “The feedback we've received reinforces our confidence that the Freightliner eM2 will meet and exceed our customers' expectations. Our partners and dealers are looking forward to introducing the Freightliner eM2 to their customers, and we are excited to see it in use by customers and fleets.”
Built on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus platform, the eM2 follows the introduction of the battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia in 2022. The on-highway truck is tailored for pickup and delivery, beverage hauling, as well as local, regional, and city routes, Aneja told Fleetowner in May.
The eM2 features a proprietary, fully integrated, battery-electric Detroit ePowertrain. Electric motors and a 2-speed transmission are located directly on the drive axles to maximize energy efficiency. The driving range varies based on the two battery capacity options for the eM2. The Class 6 single-motor model provides up to 190 continuous horsepower, uses a 194 kWh battery, and has an average range of 180 miles. With up to 255 continuous horsepower and a 291 kWh battery, the Class 7 dual-motor variant provides an average range of 250 miles.
See also: DTNA expands electric vehicle offerings with Freightliner eM2
The new truck is enhanced with battery side-impact protection, and the vehicle comes standard with the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems:
- Active brake assist 5.0
- Tailgate warning
- Adaptive cruise control to 0 mph
- Lane-departure warning
- Intelligent high beams
- Automatic wipers/headlamps
- Side guard assist
The eM2 also features Detroit Connect, a connected vehicle solution that facilitates real-time monitoring of battery health, charging status, and energy usage. This connectivity enables route planning, energy optimization, and post-trip data analysis to improve overall energy efficiency.
The Freightliner eM2 is being manufactured at DTNA’s truck manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon. The first production units in the U.S. 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.
