Daimler Truck North America has unveiled the series production Freightliner eM2 for pick-up and delivery applications.

The trucks are ready to order and will start production later  this year at the DTNA Portland truck manufacturing plant.

At the same time, Freightliner has introduced an eM2 medium-duty truck with the goal to learn from real-world customer experiences in vocational applications.

“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, 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.”

Built on theM2 106 Plus platform and introduced on the heels of the series production Freightliner eCascadia Class 8 tractor, the Class 6/7 eM2 expands CO₂-neutral transportation to the medium-duty segment.

“Utilising the production experience from the eCascadia, 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.”

The eM2 is built on Detroit’s legacy of powertrain innovation, and features a proprietary, fully integrated, battery electric Detroit ePowertrain, including Detroit eAxles and batteries. The vehicle minimises energy cost per kilometre by removing the drivetrain and other mechanical components in favour of a lighter, simpler design, which packages the electric motors and two-speed transmission directly onto the drive axles. Multiple battery size options are available.

The eM2 underwent extensive summer and winter testing as well as rough road and crash tests to be able to operate under various conditions and temperatures.

Continuing its effort to gain real-world experiences, DTNA will begin running an eM2 vocational innovation programme with the truck equipment manufacturing industry to focus on providing zero-emission solutions for the requirements of vocational customers and applications. The programme targets the utility, sweeper, dump, towing and recovery, and refuse segments and will be packaged and designed for maximum frame space utilisation with minimal impact on upfit, especially in the utility segment.