Daimler Truck North America’s first battery-electric Freightliner eM2 trucks hit the road
Daimler Truck North America has delivered its first battery-electric Freightliner eM2 trucks after the start of series production of the medium-duty electric vehicle at the end of 2023. The Freightliner eM2, manufactured at DTNA’s plant in Portland, Oregon, has since been distributed to customers nationwide. Pitt Ohio, a transportation services company, is the first to deploy the eM2.
Pitt Ohio is integrating two Freightliner eM2 Class 7 trucks into its fleet. These trucks complement its existing conventional Freightliner M2s and underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability. The battery-electric eM2 trucks with 26-foot-long box bodies will operate out of Pitt Ohio’s Cleveland terminal and support the company’s less-than-truckload freight shipping business.
“The technology is rapidly evolving. It’s exciting to see how fast this change is occurring, resulting in significant improvements both in range and payload that are nearer to our conventional units (than earlier battery electric vehicles),” said Taki Darakos, Pitt Ohio’s VP of vehicle maintenance and fleet services. “We appreciate the support of all our partners involved and look forward to their performance in our operation.”
DTNA is committed to its long-term vision to offer only CO2-neutral vehicles in key markets by 2039 if the necessary infrastructure is in place and a favorable total cost of ownership can be achieved for customers, thus emphasizing its environmental responsibility.
“At DTNA, we’re dedicated to providing innovative, safe, and reliable solutions that adapt to the changing needs of our customers. The delivery of the eM2 is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our growing portfolio of zero-emissions vehicles. The eM2 builds on the success of our conventional M2 and extends its efficiency and versatility into the zero-emission vehicle space,” said David Carson, senior VP of sales and marketing at DTNA. “We’re pleased to support Pitt Ohio’s sustainability efforts with our trucks and work together to create a more environmentally conscious logistics industry.”
See also: DTNA expands electric vehicle offerings with Freightliner eM2
DTNA has been a pioneer in commercial electric vehicle development since 2018. Their electric lineup includes the Jouley, an all-electric bus from Thomas Built Bus, available since 2020; the FCCC MT50e walk-in van chassis for final mile delivery, available since 2021; and the Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia, available since 2022. In 2023, the company added the eM2, with a 180-mile typical range for Class 6 and 250 miles for Class 7, ideal for pick-up and delivery customers who require an adaptable electric solution. Vocational innovation vehicles were introduced last year and are in use with customers.
