American commercial automaker Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) continues to expand its electric truck deployment for its logistics operations across the region.
DTNA boosts e-truck deployment
According to NGT News, DTNA helps decarbonize logistics with increased usage of electric trucks across multiple areas in North America. The coverage includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico.
DTNA leverages these electric trucks to haul components to production plants and parts distribution centers (PDCs).
In hindsight, the electric truck maker initially deployed its Freightliner eCascadia electric semi-trucks in the Pacific Northwest in December last year and in Daimler Truck Mexico’s truck factory in Santiago in January 2024.
Meanwhile, it introduced its Freightliner eM2 electric box trucks to customers last year. It plans to use these trucks for short-haul operations.
Electrification strategy
DTNA employs a comprehensive electrification strategy in its North American operation. It aims to expand electric truck use within its logistics network, including its production plants and PDCs within a 250-mile radius.
This strategy aids the company in achieving logistics efficiency by fully utilizing truck capacity and optimizing multi-stop schedules. It also enables the company to plan precise transportation routes and charging points.
DTNA also benefits from an already existing charging infrastructure, the Electric Island. It is apparently the US‘ first-of-its-kind public charging station in Portland, which was particularly developed for commercial vehicles. The company plans to use new charging infrastructures, including Duke Energy’s Mount Holly Microgrid Center in the Carolinas and Michigan’s Mobility Charging Hub.
DTNA also aids its partners in their shift to electric vehicles with its available Detroit eConsulting services. It helps them build depot charging at their facilities to enrich charging prospects.
Carbon neutrality targets
DTNA is heavily committed to sustainability beyond its value chain, as noted by its senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles.
“Our commitment to sustainability extends across our entire value chain. As we witness the adoption of electric vehicles, such as our Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 trucks, within our logistics network, we are not only driving sustainability but also laying the groundwork for adaptable and robust electric logistics solutions.”
Jeff Allen, SVP of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA
DTNA set a carbon neutrality target for all its new products and services from direct suppliers in Europe, Japan, and the US by 2039.
Its Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant successfully hit carbon-neutral production in 2020. Now, DTNA aims to hit CO2-neutral production at its other truck factories by 2025.
