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Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has introduced a new Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) Dealer Certification Program, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. This initiative, building upon the Elite Support network, aims to enhance customer experience in the electric vehicle sector with the heavy-duty Freightliner eCascadia and medium-duty Freightliner eM2 trucks leading the charge. Over 50 fleets have already embraced these electric trucks, accumulating more than 4 million miles across the United States.
Key Highlights:
- Introduction of a comprehensive BEV Dealer Certification Program.
- Over 4 million electric miles logged by Freightliner trucks.
- Collaboration with the Freightliner Dealer Council to pioneer the program.
- Certification program covers safety, charging infrastructure, dealership infrastructure, and training.
- Plans to certify 100 dealer locations by 2025.
John Hopkins, co-chair of the Freightliner Dealer Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: “After several months of collaboration between DTNA and the Freightliner Dealer Council Principals, representing over 40% of all dealer locations in the USA and Canada, we are pleased to introduce and support the BEV Dealer Certification Program that will become the model for our entire industry at providing a safe and world-class customer experience for our battery-electric truck customers.”
The BEV Dealer Certification encompasses over 75 criteria across four main areas: Safety, Charging Infrastructure, Dealership Infrastructure, and Training. These criteria ensure that dealers are fully equipped to support customers transitioning to electric vehicles, with a focus on safety and expert guidance provided by the Detroit eConsulting team.
Drew Backeberg, DTNA’s senior vice president of aftermarket, highlighted the importance of the certification for market adoption: “Having our dealer network BEV certified benefits the market as a whole. For customers owning or purchasing an electric vehicle in the near term, it is likely their first experience with electrification in the heavy-duty truck space. We see it as our responsibility to support them on their journey.”
Eight dealerships have already achieved certification, with numbers expected to double shortly. This certification aligns with DTNA’s pioneering efforts in commercial electric vehicle development, including the all-electric Jouley bus and the Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia. With a strategic plan to expand the BEV Dealer Certification, DTNA continues to lead the way in providing zero-emission solutions for the commercial vehicle industry.
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