Detroit has long been known as the Motor City and that's unlikely to change anytime soon even with the introduction of battery electric vehicles (BEV), both passenger and commercial. Only a few days ago, Daimler Truck North America's (DTNA) Freightliner division launched its first BEV semi in the heart of America's vehicle production city.
The Freightliner eCascadia has officially entered service at the truck maker's Detroit Diesel Corporation subsidiary, based in Redford, Michigan. It's being integrated into DTNA's operations at the Detroit Logistics center in nearby Livonia where it'll transport critical components between the OEM's Detroit offsite warehouse and the Redford production facility.
[Related: Freightliner unveils new electric eCascadia]
The truck itself is being operated by Load One, which DTNA has used as its freight provider since 2018. Freightliner says the eCascadia has a range of 220 miles and will be recharged nightly at the Detroit Logistics Center, a 38-acre site that hosts 3.2 million square feet of production space that employs about 2,800 people in manufacturing, R&D, and vehicle and component production, including the eCascadia's electric powertrain.
“Detroit’s operation is focused on driving efficiency in today’s market while preparing for growth over the coming years,” said Matt Pfaffenbach, Detroit plant manager. “Investment in key partnerships, like our relationship with Load One, is critical to maintaining success as our industry transforms in the years to come.”
John K. Elliot II, executive chairman at Load One, added that the company "is thrilled to work with our long-term partner Detroit and DTNA as we take the first steps together in ushering in a future generation of class 8 vehicles. Load One continues to work towards advancement and as a good steward to our planet."
[Related: Driverless and fuel-less; Freightliner reveals autonomous, electric eCascadia]
