DTNA
Hexagon Purus will provide complete vehicle integration of battery packs for the battery-electric Freightliner eM2.

Daimler starts BEV Freightliner eM2 production

Nov. 2, 2023
Daimler Truck North America has begun production of the battery-electric Freightliner eM2 in the U.S.

Daimler Truck AG started production of the Freightliner eM2 at their subsidiary Daimler Truck North America (DTNA). The battery electric medium-duty truck is designed for pick-up and delivery applications.

“The start of production for this versatile truck marks another important milestone on our journey to a zero-emissions product line”, said Rakesh Aneja, head of eMobility at DTNA. “The feedback we've received reinforces our confidence that the Freightliner eM2 will meet and exceed our customers' expectations.”

Read more: Daimler enters medium-duty EV race with Rizon brand

The Freightliner eM2 is being manufactured at DTNA’s truck manufacturing plant in Portland, Oregon. The first production units in the U.S. will be delivered to Ferguson, Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., Penske Truck Leasing, PITT OHIO, Ryder System, Inc., TITAN Freight Systems and Velocity Truck Rental & Leasing. In Canada, the first units will go to Brossard Leasing and Day & Ross.

The eM2 is built on the Freightliner M2 106 Plus platform and follows the introduction of the battery electric Freightliner eCascadia in 2022, extending CO2-neutral transportation to the medium-duty segment. The vehicle features a proprietary, fully integrated, battery-electric Detroit ePowertrain. Its design places electric motors and a 2-speed transmission directly on the drive axles, resulting in minimized energy cost per mile.

The driving range varies based on the two available battery capacity options for the eM2. The class 6 single-motor model provides up to 190 continuous horsepower, a 194 kWh battery, and a typical range of 180 miles (290 kilometers) on a single charge. In contrast, the class 7 dual-motor variant offers up to 255 continuous horsepower, supported by a 291 kWh battery, providing a typical range of 250 miles (400 kilometers) on a single charge.

The eM2 also features proprietary battery side impact protection and the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems, including Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA5), Tailgate Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) down to 0 mph, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent High-Beams, Automatic Wipers/Headlamps, and Side Guard Assist. 

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