Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has built its first-ever hybrid-electric Freightliner Cascadia. The truck, developed in cooperation with Wal-Mart, is based on a Wal-Mart spec for a 72-i. raised roof vehicle with a Detroit Diesel DD 15 engine.
“Starting with our advanced wind tunnel testing facility, DTNA has long been dedicated to developing the industry’s most efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, and this new Cascadia marks the next evolution in hybrid-electric solutions for heavy-duty vehicles,” said Wilfried Achenbach, senior vp, engineering & technology for DTNA. “Our customers look to us for advanced solutions in every application, and we will continue to deliver at every turn.”
The truck is powered by a parallel hybrid system based on an electrically driven second drive axle. The system uses a lithium-ion-based energy storage and advanced electronic control algorithms that were developed in collaboration with the Daimler Trucks Global Hybrid Center in Japan.
The conventional drivetrain remains intact with this hybrid design, DTNA said, allowing for system reliability.
“Wal-Mart is partnering with our suppliers like Daimler Trucks North America to develop technologies that will improve the efficiency and lessen the impact of our operations,” said Chris Sultemeier, senior vp of transportation for Wal-Mart. “These partnerships help to prove out these technologies and speed up the time to market. We look forward to working with DTNA on this and other projects.”
