Summary
- Daimler Truck North America is investing $285 million in its Detroit Diesel subsidiary to manufacture electric components for medium and heavy-duty electric trucks
- Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Thomas Built Buses are already utilizing Detroit Diesel powertrains for electric vehicles
- Freightliner has unveiled a prototype eCascadia with integrated self-driving technology, aiming for zero emissions and increased road safety
- The investment is expected to create up to 436 jobs and preserve around 2,000 more at the company’s factories in Redford Township and Detroit
- Detroit Diesel’s ePowertrain provides high performance, efficiency, reliability, and zero emissions, catering to the demands of electric trucks
Article
Daimler Truck North America is investing $285 million in its Detroit Diesel subsidiary to modernize and enhance the plant to manufacture electric components for medium and heavy-duty electric trucks. This move may surprise some who associate Detroit Diesel with traditional diesel engines, but the company is adapting to the changing market demands for electric powertrains. Freightliner, a major customer of Detroit Diesel, is already involved in developing battery-electric Class 8 tractors and autonomous driving technology, aiming for zero emissions and increased road safety.
The autonomous Freightliner eCascadia technology demonstrator combines battery-electric drive and integrated autonomous driving technology in a semi-truck for the first time, showcasing the potential for future modular and scalable platforms. Meanwhile, Thomas Built Buses, another customer of Detroit Diesel, supplies electric school buses in America, facing potential challenges due to the changing political landscape and potential cuts to federal tax credits that support electric buses. The investment by Daimler Truck North America is expected to create hundreds of jobs, both hourly production positions and salaried employees, in Michigan.
The Detroit Diesel ePowertrain offers purpose-built electric axles and batteries seamlessly integrated for power, efficiency, reliability, and zero emissions. The eAxle components provide maximum torque for moving heavy loads and quick acceleration on the road, ensuring a smooth and efficient driving experience for electric trucks. The company focuses on delivering ultimate performance, maximum efficiency, and lower costs for electric truck operators, with the ePowertrain offering two different eAxle designs to meet various job demands.
To diesel enthusiasts who may resist the shift towards electric trucks, Detroit Diesel aims to embrace the opportunities presented by the transition to a low-carbon future. By designing and building trucks for the evolving market needs, the company is positioning itself for success in a changing industry landscape. The investments by Daimler Truck North America in Detroit Diesel reflect a commitment to innovation, job creation, and upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow’s technology, while contributing to Michigan’s economic growth.
As the transportation sector shifts towards electrification, Detroit Diesel is focusing on providing electric powertrains that offer high performance and efficiency for different applications. The company’s eAxle designs and battery options cater to various customer needs, ensuring that electric trucks can meet the demands of different industries. By embracing the transition to electric powertrains, Detroit Diesel is positioning itself as a leader in the development of sustainable transportation solutions that address the challenges of climate change and air pollution.
Read the full article here
