A Detroit-area factory known for making diesel engines is slated to get a $20 million investment to produce components for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.
The investment means the 3-million-square-foot Detroit Diesel plant, which is in both Redford Township and Detroit, will be the North American source of Detroit ePowertrain components, according to the announcement Monday by Daimler Trucks North America.
The operation falls under Detroit Diesel’s Detroit brand. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks. NU The Detroit operation has a workforce of 2,500, according to a company spokesman.END NU
Electric trucks, including semis, are expected to represent an area of vast growth in coming years. The planned Tesla Semi has received plenty of publicity, although CNBC reported last month that CEO Elon Musk said the Class 8 semi is on hold until the company can make more battery cells.
The Daimler announcement said the Detroit ePowertrain will power the upcoming Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 trucks. Freightliner is also part of Daimler.
“The combination of Freightliner and Detroit has been delivering an incredible experience to our valued customers for over four decades,” Rakesh Aneja, head of eMobility at Daimler Trucks North America, said in the news release. “An integrated ePowertrain from Detroit respects that legacy and moves us into a new era for the industry by improving operational efficiency while simultaneously eliminating tailpipe emissions.”
The announcement said this is all part of the company’s strategy to create a uniform architecture for its battery-electric vehicles worldwide.
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The company’s first electric powertrain offerings will have a maximum range for a full charge of 230 miles for the medium-duty eM2 and 250 miles for the larger Class 8 eCascadia tractor, the release said.
“Initially, the Detroit ePowertrain will offer an eAxle design operating at 400 volts and be offered in two variants suitable for a variety of commercial vehicle applications. The single motor design is rated at 180 horsepower, delivering maximum torque of up to 11,500 (pound-feet) of torque, while the dual motor design offers up to 360 horsepower and 23,000 (pound-feet) of torque,” the release said, noting that the electric powertrain will be mated to one of three battery options.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence. Become a subscriber.