Freightliner sets sights on vocational segment with electric eM2

Freightliner eM2
Daimler Truck North America, LLC (DTNA), the nation’s largest manufacturer of Class 6-8 commercial vehicles, has entered into a long-term agreement with Hexagon Purus, a leading manufacturer of zero-emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, to provide complete vehicle integration of the battery electric Freightliner eM2, which was developed to serve vocational applications.

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) on Monday said it has entered into a long-term agreement with Hexagon Purus, a manufacturer of zero-emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, to provide total vehicle integration of the battery electric Freightliner eM2.

The integration, provided by Hexagon Purus, will incorporate Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology, including battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules, and vehicle-level software. The integration also includes power-take-off (PTO) options to supply power to the vocational body and the equipment, unlocking new applications, segments and possibilities for the battery electric medium-duty truck. 

DTNA earlier this year unveiled its vocational Freightliner eM2 prototype truck with work truck upfit options as part of an innovation project with Alamo and Altec, laying the groundwork for expanding its zero-emission solutions for vocational customers, particularly in the utility, sweeper, dump, construction, towing and refuse segments.

"We are excited about our collaboration with Hexagon Purus and the potential it holds for the future of electric vocational trucks,” said Aaron Scates, vice president of vocational and medium-duty market development at DTNA. “With our shared history, combined experience, and the remarkable battery technology offered by Hexagon Purus, we look forward to yielding effective and flexible solutions for our vocational customers.” 

Prior to the start of the current collaboration, DTNA worked with Hexagon's Agility division on the development of Freightliner natural gas fuel tank integration and together with Hexagon Purus, Hexagon's zero-emission division on DTNA's first generation of electric vehicles. Additionally, Hexagon Purus’ high-voltage battery technology is known for its efficient kWh per meter of frame length, which aligns with the packaging needs of medium-duty vocational applications.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with DTNA, and we look forward to supporting them on this vocational vehicle program and in driving their transition to zero-emission mobility,” said Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus. “DTNA has been an important zero-emission technology development partner for Hexagon Purus in North America for several years through our participation in the Innovation Fleet program.”

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DTNA last month kicked off production of its battery electric Freightliner eM2 in Portland, Oregon.