Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Sourcing Renewables  -  July 23, 2018

Daimler, Penske, NFI partner for electric fleet innovation

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced that Penske Truck Leasing and NFI, a supply chain solutions provider, have agreed to partner in operating the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet of eCascadia™ heavy-duty trucks and eM2 106 medium-duty trucks.

In a statement, DTNA called the partnership the next phase of a co-creation process that DTNA is utilizing to actively involve customers in the development of commercial electric vehicles to meet the most valid target applications. Starting late this year, Penske will begin taking delivery of 10 eCascadias and 10 eM2s for use in California and the Pacific Northwest, while 10 eCascadias will begin being delivered to NFI for drayage activities from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to warehouses in California's Inland Empire. Additionally, DTNA plans to operate electric trucks within its own Product Validation Engineering (PVE) test fleet in Oregon to further expedite research and development of the technology.

"Freightliner is excited to be working with Penske and NFI on this critical learning process as we further develop and refine our commercial electric vehicle technology. Running multiple trucks in real-world applications will provide better insights for our engineers into the requirements of integrating electric commercial vehicles into fleet operations," said Roger Nielsen, president and chief executive officer of DTNA. "We are partnering with these two customers for this phase of the co-creation process because they have use cases that closely fit the target applications we have identified. Both Penske and NFI are forward-thinking partners eager to take on the challenge, effort, and investment that will be required during this important development phase."

At the start of series production, batteries for the eCascadia are expected to provide 550 kWh usable capacity, a range of up to 250 miles and have the ability to charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 200 miles) in about 90 minutes. The Class 8 tractor batteries will provide 325 kWh of usable capacity, a range of up to 230 miles and have the ability to charge up to 80 percent (providing a range of 184 miles) in about 60 minutes.

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