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Portland, Oregon stands as a significant hub for clean technology, thanks to Daimler Truck North America LLC’s (DTNA) new strategic investments. The company announced the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) training center and an engineering facility at its headquarters on Swan Island. These projects highlight DTNA’s commitment to advancing clean transportation technologies and enhancing the infrastructure needed for commercial electric vehicles.
Key Highlights:
- DTNA will introduce a new EVSE training center to foster dealer education and community engagement in clean transportation.
- A new 110,000 sq-ft engineering facility will centralize research and development, focusing on battery electric and hydrogen-fuel technologies.
- Investment of $43 million in total, with significant financial support from state and city entities through forgivable loans.
The training center, an extension of the existing Electric Island, initiated in partnership with Portland General Electric in 2021, marks a continuation of efforts to test and develop charging infrastructures. The anticipated cost is $3 million, with half being covered by a forgivable loan from Prosper Portland. This center will serve both DTNA’s dealer network and as a resource for stakeholders in the clean transportation sector.
The engineering facility is expected to cost $40 million and will be equipped to house all testing activities. It aims to propel forward the development of emerging propulsion technologies. The State of Oregon supports this initiative with a $700,000 forgivable loan from its Strategic Reserve fund.
John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA, stated, “Daimler Truck North America is proud to call Portland, Oregon our home. We appreciate the City and State’s support of our expansion plans to further promote the development and proper testing of advanced technology and look forward to collaborating for many more years to come on training and employing a future-ready workforce.”
Echoing this sentiment, Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang noted, “Oregon is the location of choice for businesses leading clean technology innovation in the U.S.” This investment not only adds to the region’s competitiveness but also offers considerable opportunities for the skilled workforce in manufacturing and engineering.
Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio expressed her excitement about DTNA’s ongoing commitment to leading heavy-duty vehicle technology advancements in Portland, acknowledging the support of Governor Kotek and the efforts of the Prosper Portland team.
The company’s presence in Portland traces back to the founding of the Freightliner brand in 1942 and continues to be a cornerstone of the city’s manufacturing landscape, employing over 3,000 people in the region and driving innovations in clean transportation solutions.
About Daimler Truck North America: Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, provides a wide range of products, services, and technologies for the commercial transportation sector. As a subsidiary of the global leader Daimler Truck Holding AG, DTNA designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive portfolio under brands like Freightliner, Western Star, and Thomas Built Buses.
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