Daimler Truck North America Using BEVs for Logistics Chain

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is expanding the use of electric trucks for logistics operations across multiple business units and regions, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, and Saltillo, Mexico to transport components to manufacturing plants and parts distribution centers (PDCs).

DTNA Using Medium- & Heavy-Duty Freightliners

DTNA started integrating Freightliner eCascadia battery electric semi-trucks, which were launched in 2022, into their logistics operation in the Pacific Northwest in December 2023, as well as Daimler Truck Mexico’s truck manufacturing plant in Santiago in January 2024.

For short-haul operations, DTNA will begin using its Freightliner eM2 electric box trucks that were introduced to customers last year.

DTNA’s Electrification Strategy

DTNA said its comprehensive strategy to expand the electrification within its own regional logistics networks includes serving its manufacturing plants and PDCs within a 250-mile radius strategically aligned with its supplier landscape.

Operating within these networks enables DTNA to fully utilize truck capacity and optimize multi-stop schedules, unlocking logistics efficiency.

DTNA leverages existing charging infrastructure, such as "Electric Island,” the nation’s first-of-its-kind commercial vehicles public charging station in Portland, Oregon, and plans to use future infrastructure, including facilities like:

• Duke Energy’s Mount Holly Microgrid Center in the Carolinas
• Michigan’s Mobility Charging Hub

DTNA also said it supports its strategic partners in their overall electrification journey by offering Detroit eConsulting services, including implementation of depot charging at their facilities.

"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,” said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA.

DTNA Sustainability Goals

In line with its sustainability goals, DTNA aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all new products and services from direct suppliers in Europe, the United States, and Japan by 2039.

As early as 2020, the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant, where the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are built, achieved CO₂-neutral production by reducing energy consumption and offsetting on-site emissions.

DTNA plans to achieve CO₂-neutral production at all its remaining truck manufacturing plants by 2025.