Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has launched its first battery electric Freightliner eCascadia at its subsidiary, Detroit Diesel Corporation, located in Redford, Michigan. The Freightliner eCascadia will be integrated into DTNA’s operations at the Detroit Logistics Center in Livonia, transporting components between Detroit’s offsite warehouse and the Redford production facility, the manufacturer said. The electric truck, part of Detroit’s shuttle program, will be operated by Load One, a freight solutions provider for DTNA since 2018. The eCascadia has a range of 220 miles and will be recharged at the Detroit Logistics Center, DTNA said.

“Detroit’s operation is focused on driving efficiency in today’s market while preparing for growth over the coming years,” Matt Pfaffenbach, Detroit plant manager said. “Investment in key partnerships, like our relationship with Load One, is critical to maintaining success as our industry transforms in the years to come.”

DTNA said its Detroit Diesel Corporation subsidiary is a vital component of its manufacturing ecosystem, spanning 38 acres and encompassing 3.2 million square feet of production space. The facility employs nearly 2,800 people in manufacturing, research and development, and support functions. This includes the eCascadia’s electric powertrain, the same system used in the Load One vehicle.

According to DTNA, this initiative aligns with its broader strategy to integrate electric vehicles into its logistics network, following implementations in the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina, Arizona, and Mexico. The integration of electric vehicles is one of many initiatives contributing to DTNA’s sustainable operations, the manufacturer said. In 2020, the Portland truck manufacturing plant, where the eCascadia is built, achieved CO2-neutral production. DTNA said it plans to incorporate CO2-neutral production at all its remaining truck manufacturing plants by 2026 and is developing solutions to optimize the lifecycle of batteries used in their electric trucks, including repair, remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling.