DTNA expands electric logistics fleet

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) wants to expand electrification in its logistics network and will start using its own electric trucks "across multiple business units and regions." It previously added the Freightliner eCascadia to its fleets in the US state of Oregon and in Mexico.

The new locations include North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico, where DTNA uses Freightliner eCascadias to transport components to manufacturing plants and parts distribution centres (PDCs) within a 250-mile radius. The manufacturer says it will start using Freightliner eM2 electric box trucks for short-haul operations later this year.

But back to long-haul operations: Daimler emphasises that it uses existing charging infrastructure to keep its electric trucks on the road in Portland, Oregon, a strategy it will adopt for the Carolinas and for Michigan as well. Since the manufacturer also offers partners to help electrify their fleet and implement depot charging, the electric Freighliners will always have a place to plug in. Specifically, DTNA writes that the strategy further augments “charging opportunities and [ensures] the scalability of DTNA’s logistics operations.”

As reported, DTNA has been using the Freightliner eCascadia battery electric semi-trucks for its own logistics since the end of last year. It did so first in Portland, Oregon, and later at Daimler Truck Mexico’s truck manufacturing plant in Santiago. Daimler’s US brand Freightliner launched the eCascadia in 2022. The battery-electric truck is a Class 8 semitrailer tractor. Customers can choose between three battery options for up to 230 miles or 370 kilometres.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends across our entire value chain,” says Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA. “As we witness the adoption of electric vehicles, such as our Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 trucks, within our logistics network, we are not only driving sustainability but also laying the groundwork for adaptable and robust electric logistics solutions.”

daimlertruck.com