“Expanding our electric product portfolio with the eM2 marks another historic moment for our customers and the industry on our joint journey to zero emissions,” said David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). “With its versatility, the eM2 will be the perfect fit for pick-up and delivery customers who require an adaptable electric solution. Our vocational innovation vehicles are designed to set the stage to expand eM2 coverage into additional customer applications in the future.”

The eM2 is a battery electric Freightliner truck, part of the Daimler Truck North America brand, built on Detroit’s legacy of powertrain innovation. It features a proprietary, fully integrated, battery electric Detroit ePowertrain, including Detroit eAxles and batteries. The vehicle minimises energy cost per mile by removing the drivetrain and other mechanical components in favor of a lighter, simpler design, which packages the electric motors and 2-speed transmission directly onto the drive axles. Multiple battery size options are available, allowing customers to find the right balance between range/runtime and price, says the company.

“The eM2 is the result of extensive co-creation with our customers and years of real-world testing,” said Rakesh Aneja, vice president and chief of eMobility, DTNA. “For pick-up and delivery applications, the eM2 has a typical range of 180 miles for the Class 6 version and 250 miles for Class 7, and represents a reliable, efficient, and sustainable solution.” 

For customers who require refrigeration configurations, an electric power takeoff (ePTO) option is available, enabling a choice of refrigeration units that can run on energy from the vehicle’s high voltage battery.

The eM2 is equipped with state-of-the-art connected vehicle offerings, Detroit Connect, which offers new eServices and provides charging information and vehicle health data in real-time. This allows fleet managers to plan new routes with real-time range prediction, updating automatically for traffic, weather, topography, and other conditions. They can also monitor battery health and state-of-charge for multiple units in real-time and collect data for post-trip analysis reports, which can help drivers to maximise energy efficiency and battery lifespan.