Daimler Truck introduces autonomous E-Cascadia in the USA.

Development Daimler Truck introduces autonomous E-Cascadia in the USA

2024-05-10 From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Daimler Truck has introduced a technology carrier of the electrically driven and autonomously driving E-Cascadia. The truck is expected to be able to drive autonomously to SAE Level 4 at a later date.

Daimler Truck has developed the "eCascadia" technology carrier. It drives electrically and autonomously.(Image: Daimler Truck AG) — Daimler Truck has developed the "eCascadia" technology carrier. It drives electrically and autonomously.
(Image: Daimler Truck AG)

Daimler Truck has introduced a technology carrier for a truck that is electrically driven and autonomously driving. The sensors and computer hardware come from the diesel-powered, autonomously driving Cascadia, which Daimler Trucks is currently testing on the roads in the USA. The manufacturer installed the technology in a compact unit in the battery-electric E-Cascadia with a short cab for distribution traffic or short routes.

The technology carrier is based on the Freightliner "eCascadia". "At a later point," Daimler Truck reports, "the technology carrier can drive autonomously according to SAE Level 4."

Hub-to-hub transport

In the currently prioritized hub-to-hub application, the truck drives autonomously between freight centers along US highway corridors. Similar tests are currently being carried out by truck manufacturer MAN in Germany. It is conceivable to merge charging infrastructure and autonomous logistics centers to charge the batteries while loading or unloading freight.

For a year now, Torc has been testing the autonomous Freightliner Cascadia in practice with logistics companies such as Schneider and C.R. England. The trucks transport the customers' freight autonomously on the test route between Phoenix, Arizona, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Autonomous trucks from the year 2027

The drive in the truck is provided by a proprietary e-axle from the company Detroit. Equipped with dual-motor, the e-axle generates 395 hp and has a torque of around 31,000 Newton meters. The single motor generates 195 hp and has around 15,000 Newton meters of torque. The company's batteries hold between 194 and 438 kilowatt hours.

Four additional 12-volt batteries form an integrated energy storage. The virtual driver unit can thus be supplied and operated with electrical voltage even when the high-voltage batteries are inactive - according to Daimler Truck for uninterrupted autonomous driving. The driving software for the autonomous driving component is provided by Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of the truck manufacturer for autonomous driving technology.

In 2027, Daimler Truck plans to introduce series-ready autonomous trucks according to SAE Level 4 in the USA; still with conventional drives. Depending on the application, future autonomous trucks could also be powered by hydrogen, according to Daimler Truck.

E-Cascadia and Freightliner Inspiration Truck

The E-Cascadia came on the market in 2022. According to Daimler Trucks, it is on the road in more than 55 fleets in the USA. According to the manufacturer, the truck's battery can charge from zero to 80 percent capacity in 90 minutes. The range varies depending on the battery and drive axle option between 155, 220 or 230 miles, about between 250 and 370 kilometers.

In 2015, Daimler Truck introduced the Freightliner Inspiration Truck. This truck was the first licensed autonomous commercial vehicle of SAE stage 2 for public road use in the USA.

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