Rizon, Daimler Truck’s newest brand of all-electric vehicles, is launching its Class 4-5 vehicles in Canada. The Rizon brand is being showcased this week at Truck World in Toronto and will be available to Canadian customers for the first time with preorders set to begin in June of 2024.

The first Rizon trucks first debuted in the U.S. in 2023 at the ACT Expo in Anaheim, California, and are now operating on American streets for a diverse range of customers, the company said.

Demand for Zero-Emission Solutions in Canada with 2050 Goal

The Canadian government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and has established an incentive program to encourage fleets to electrify. Companies and municipalities are now exploring sustainable fleet options to address environmental concerns and operational efficiency.

“Canada is very advanced regarding green energy and infrastructure and is a natural next step for Rizon’s second market,” said Andreas Deuschle, the global head of Rizon Truck. “So, we are very happy to bring our zero-emission solution to Canadian customers.”

4 Rizon Model Variants Offered for Canadian Customers

Rizon will offer four model variants for Canadian customers, the e16L, e16M, e18L, and the e18M, with a versatile mix of configurations and options suitable for each customer’s unique requirements, ranging from 15,995 to 18,850 pounds in gross vehicle weight (GVW). Rizon said these vehicles can run up to 257 km (for L size variant with three battery packs) and up to 177 km (for M size variant with two battery packs) on a single charge.

The company said these trucks are ideally suited to a variety of applications such as:

• Dry vans

• Flatbeds

• Landscape dumps

• Reefers

They feature an electric power take-off (ePTO), which is controllable from the cab and allows for specialized equipment such as reefer belt drives and hydraulic pumps.

Advanced Passive and Active Safety Systems Equipped on Rizon Trucks

In addition to versatility, Rizon trucks incorporate advanced passive and active safety systems to help safeguard drivers, passengers, and the communities in which they operate. The company said Rizon drivers can feel even more secure in stop-and-go traffic and congested urban areas with Daimler Truck’s safety technology such as Active Brake Assist and Active Side Guard Assist.

2 Charging Options Available for Rizon Trucks

Rizon said the trucks are capable of being charged by two types of battery charging systems, Level 2 AC Charging via J1772 connector, and DC Fast Charging with a CCS1 connector.

Optimized for Cold Weather Operations with Preconditioning

One important aspect of operating EVs in Canada is cold-weather performance. Rizon said its trucks feature an electric preconditioning function that brings the batteries to the ideal temperature before operation by using power from the grid. This feature enables vehicles to operate with improved performance in cold weather, according to the company.

Rizon trucks destined for Canada come equipped with heated features for driver comfort, including:

• Heated seat

• Heated steering wheel

• Heated windshield

Rizon Trucks Qualify for $75k Canadian Incentive

These vehicles will qualify for the Canadian government’s Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty-Zero-Vehicles (iMHZEV) program, which has been in effect since 2022. A Rizon truck will qualify for approximately $75,000 at the point of sale under this program.

Additional provincial incentives are available in British Columbia and Quebec for approximately $75,000.

OEM Quality Leveraged from Daimler Truck

Leveraging Daimler Truck’s expertise in designing and building commercial vehicles, Rizon is built on the knowledge that comes from over eight million kilometers of electric driving.  Boasting proprietary connectivity services from RizonConnect, a fully integrated active safety system; the best warranty in the segment according to Rizon; and financing from Daimler Truck Financial Services; Rizon said its connection to the Daimler Truck portfolio is strong.

Velocity Electric Vehicle Canada Distribution Starting in Q4

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, Rizon vehicles will be distributed in Canada through an exclusive agreement with Velocity Electric Vehicle Canada.

With sales consultants and technicians experienced in commercial e-mobility, Velocity touchpoints will serve as one-stop shops for customers interested in making the jump to electric trucks.

The initial sales network will include locations in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.