Freightliner shows-off eM2 electric truck

FREIGHTLINER has taken the covers off its eM2 medium-duty electric truck at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) expo in California this week, saying orders for the model will begin immediately.

Production of the electrified M2 will begin from the fourth quarter of this year, with Daimler Truck North America saying pilot vehicle tests with prospective customers have already proved overwhelmingly positive.

The firm offered controlled course preview drives of the vehicle at the ACT expo, with journalists attending the event saying the eM2 offered a quiet ride, comfortable driving, with a positive and responsive driveline, similar to that provided by the now year-old Freightliner eCascadia.

Unfortunately, prospective Australian buyers will miss out on their chance to hop behind the wheel with Daimler Truck Australia telling GoAuto, “there is no place at this stage for the Freightliner eM2 truck in Australia”.

The aluminium-over-steel cabin – which is based on the diesel-powered M2 106 – is said to be quieter than competitive models and equipped with a dual-screen digital dashboard, ergonomic seating, tilt and reach steering column adjustment with multifunctional controls for the truck’s infotainment and data screen, and fully customisable LED backlit switches that offer ease of operation in low-light situations.

Daimler Truck North America says the eM2 will see duty in a range of applications including municipal services, towing and delivery operations.

The Daimler eM2 is offered with multiple-sized battery packs (194kWh and 291kWh) which in conjunction with its Detroit-sourced 145kW ePowertrain electric motor) can provide a range of up to 400km – even when hauling a payload of up to 15,000kg.

Charging times via an appropriate DC fast charger as listed are between one and six hours, depending on the battery’s state of charge.

According to Daimler Truck North America, the electric drivetrain combines e-axles and batteries that work cooperatively with regenerative braking to provide a solution that is less complex and more productive.

“By integrating electric motor, transmission and specialised electronics within a compact unit, the e-axle can directly and efficiently power a truck’s wheels,” it said in an online statement.

“The Detroit ePowertrain’s electric axle provides maximum torque to get loads moving, as well as quick, smooth acceleration on the road.”

Driver assistance technologies include active brake assist, tailgate warning, side guard assist and connected vehicle tools, dubbed Detroit Connect, that aim to provide fleet managers with a means of monitoring battery health, trip data and route costing.