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Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) has launched its first electric Freightliner eCascadia for its logistics operations, advancing efforts toward decarbonizing transportation. The new electric truck will operate from the Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit) facility in Redford, Michigan.
Key Highlights:
- Freightliner eCascadia will handle logistics between Detroit’s offsite warehouse and production facility.
- Load One LLC will manage operations for the electric truck shuttle program.
- The 220-mile range truck will be charged at the Detroit Logistics Center.
- This move supports DTNA’s sustainability initiatives and integrates electric vehicles into its logistics network.
The Freightliner eCascadia is part of DTNA’s logistics operations at the Detroit Logistics Center in Livonia, tasked with transporting critical components between Detroit’s offsite warehouse and the Redford production facility. Load One LLC, a trusted DTNA partner since 2018, will operate the electric truck. The predictable routes and consistent payload make the eCascadia an ideal solution for this shuttle program. The truck will have a typical range of 220 miles and will be recharged at the Detroit Logistics Center.
“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.” Load One has been praised for its commitment to safety, professionalism, and strong on-time delivery performance, making it a key partner in the success of Detroit’s logistics initiatives.
The Detroit facility is central to DTNA’s manufacturing ecosystem, occupying 38 acres and comprising 3.2 million square feet of production space. The facility employs nearly 2,800 people, including teams focused on manufacturing, research, and support functions. The site produces components like the electric powertrain for the eCascadia, now powering Load One vehicles for Detroit’s logistics operations.
“Load One 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,” said John K. Elliott II, executive chairman at Load One. “Load One continues to work towards advancement and as a good steward to our planet.”
The introduction of the eCascadia in Detroit aligns with DTNA’s broader strategy to integrate electric vehicles into its logistics network, following previous successful deployments in the Pacific Northwest, North Carolina, Arizona, and Mexico. DTNA’s commitment to sustainability includes ongoing initiatives to achieve CO₂-neutral production at its facilities, with a target of 2026 for all truck manufacturing plants.
The Portland truck manufacturing plant, where the eCascadia is produced, achieved CO₂-neutral production in 2020, highlighting DTNA’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and offset on-site emissions. Beyond vehicle production, DTNA is developing solutions to optimize the lifecycle of batteries, including repair, remanufacturing, repurposing, and end-of-life recycling, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility in building a more sustainable supply chain.
About Daimler Truck North America
Daimler Truck North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a leading provider of comprehensive products, services, and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, and vehicle chassis under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp, and Detroit brands.
About Detroit
Detroit provides mid-range and heavy-duty diesel engines, ePowertrains, transmissions, axles, safety systems, and connected vehicle services for on-highway and vocational commercial markets. Detroit products are sold and serviced through hundreds of locations across North America. Visit DemandDetroit.com for more information.
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