DTNA, Hexagon Purus partner on vocational eM2

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) entered into a long-term agreement with Hexagon Purus to provide complete vehicle integration of the battery electric Freightliner eM2 for vocational applications.

“With our shared history, combined experience, and the remarkable battery technology offered by Hexagon Purus, we look forward to yielding effective and flexible solutions for our vocational customers,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium-duty market development at DTNA.

The integration, provided by Hexagon Purus, will incorporate Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology on Freightliner eM2, including battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules, and vehicle-level software. It will also include power-take-off (PTO) options to supply power to the vocational body and the equipment.

Earlier this year, DTNA unveiled the vocational Freightliner eM2 prototype truck with vocational upfit options as part of an innovation project together with Truck Equipment Manufacturers Alamo and Altec. The prototype is meant to lay the groundwork for expanding zero-emission solutions for vocational customers, particularly in the utility, sweeper, dump, construction, towing, and refuse segments. Now, Hexagon Purus and DTNA’s partnership will deliver products to the market that complement DTNA’s eCascadia and eM2 battery electric portfolio, which is already in production.

“DTNA has been an important zero-emission technology development partner for Hexagon Purus in North America for several years through our participation in the Innovation Fleet program,” said Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus.

DTNA's decision to partner with Hexagon Purus is based on its long-standing relationship and shared expertise. Prior to the start of the current collaboration, DTNA worked with Hexagon's Agility division on the development of Freightliner natural gas fuel tank integration and, together with Hexagon Purus, Hexagon's zero-emission division on DTNA's first generation of electric vehicles. Additionally, Hexagon Purus’ high-voltage battery technology is known for its efficient kWh per meter of frame length, which aligns with the packaging needs of medium-duty vocational applications.