The electrification of medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial trucks is underway, marking a critical development in the transportation industry. The eCascadia battery-electric Class 8 tractor is already in operation by a number of North American fleets today, and this technology will become much more commonplace over the next several years. To get a quote, place a reservation, or learn more about Freightliner’s electric semi trucks, reach out to your local Freightliner dealer, today.

The eCascadia is whisper-quiet, produces no fumes or emissions, and provides a smooth ride with impressive acceleration. With 100% torque potential from 0 miles-per-hour, these vehicles also demonstrate exceptional hauling performance. Driving an eCascadia (or eM2) is comfortable and relaxing. Drivers often say they really appreciate the driving experience because it easier on their bodies.

With the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet and Customer Experience Fleet pilot programs, we learn more lessons every day about life on the road behind the wheel of electric trucks. A few perks that participating drivers have shared:

• Improved torque and acceleration
• Greatly reduced noise
• Reduced vibration
• No diesel fumes
• Improved ease of use from incorporating regenerative braking
• Stable turning, low center of gravity
• Reduced driver fatigue
• Simpler post and pre-trip inspection process
• Cleaner working environment

Driving range varies between the eCascadia’s two battery capacity offerings. The 438 kWh battery provides a typical driving range of 230 miles on the 4x2 configuration or 220 miles on the 6x4 configuration. The 291 kWh battery provides a typical range of 155 miles on the 4x2 configuration. These ranges assume a gradually diminishing load, consistent usage of regenerative braking, and starting routes on a full charge.

The eCascadia has a typical range of 155, 220 or 230 on a full charge, depending on configuration.

Energy prices vary by region and also fluctuate on an hourly basis, depending on when the energy grid is experiencing increased demand. This means that the cost of energy is typically lower at night, so use cases that allow for overnight truck charging are ideal for maximizing fuel savings. Even after considering fluctuations in energy price, the cost-per-mile of running trucks on electricity is expected to be significantly lower than running on diesel fuel.

Depending on the region of deployment, grants and incentives may be available to offset the higher initial purchase price of an electric truck, pushing it closer to parity with a comparable diesel truck. This, combined with lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle, can enable owners to achieve a Real Cost of Ownership advantage over operating comparable diesel models.

The eCascadia is now available for reservations. Please reach out to your Freightliner dealer to receive a quote.

New technologies are always more expensive in the beginning. Currently the high voltage batteries are the largest single cost driver for the eCascadia and its purchase price will be higher than Freightliner products with a conventional powertrain. However, depending on where a customer is located, grants and incentives can help to bring the purchase price down, leading to a reduced Real Cost of Ownership over time, once lower maintenance and fuel costs are considered.

The eCascadia has a typical range of 155, 220 or 230 on a full charge, depending on configuration. 

Battery charging will vary depending on battery size and the power capability of the charging hardware. To best meet the need for “opportunity charging,” the eCascadia can charge from 0% to 80% in as little as 90 minutes.

The eCascadia has a typical range of 155, 220 or 230 on a full charge, depending on configuration. 

The maximum Gross Combined Weight (GCW) for the eCascadia and trailer is 82,000 lbs. The approximate curb weight for the eCascadia is 16,350 (4x2 standard-range), 18,750 (4x2 long-range), or 21,800 (6x4).

eCascadia will come equipped with the new 100% electric Detroit ePowertrain. It boasts instant torque with zero emissions and is available with a single-motor eAxle: 11,500 lb-ft.max torque, and a dual-motor eAxle: 23,000 lb.-ft max torque. For more information, go to: demanddetroit.com/epowertrain