eCascadia^®
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DRIVING AN ELECTRIC SEMI

Can semi trucks be electric?

The electrification of medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial trucks is underway, marking a critical development in the transportation industry. Electric semi truck pilot programs (such as Freightliner’s Electric Innovation Fleet and Customer Experience Fleet) are already delivering freight on North American roads today, and this technology will become much more commonplace over the next several years. To get a quote, place a reservation, or learn more about Freightliner’s electric semi trucks, contact us at Freightliner Northwest, today.

What is driving an electric semi like?

The eCascadia is whisper-quiet, produces no fumes or emissions, and provides a smooth ride with impressive acceleration. With 100% torque potential from 0 miles-per-hour, these vehicles also demonstrate exceptional hauling performance. Driving an eCascadia (or eM2) is comfortable and relaxing. Drivers often say they really appreciate the driving experience because it easier on their bodies.

What do drivers say about driving the electric semi?

With the Freightliner Electric Innovation Fleet and Customer Experience Fleet pilot programs, we learn more lessons every day about life on the road behind the wheel of electric trucks. A few perks that participating drivers have shared:

• Improved torque and acceleration
• Greatly reduced noise
• Reduced vibration
• No diesel fumes
• Improved ease of use from incorporating regenerative braking
• Stable turning, low center of gravity
• Reduced driver fatigue
• Simpler post and pre-trip inspection process
• Cleaner working environment

ELECTRIC SEMI RANGE

How far can the eCascadia battery go?

Driving range varies between the eCascadia’s two battery capacity offerings. The 438 kWh battery provides a typical driving range of 230 miles on the 4x2 configuration or 220 miles on the 6x4 configuration. The 291 kWh battery provides a typical range of 155 miles on the 4x2 configuration. These ranges assume a gradually diminishing load, consistent usage of regenerative braking, and starting routes on a full charge.

What is the range for the eCascadia semi?

The eCascadia has a typical range of 155, 220 or 230 on a full charge, depending on configuration.

TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

How much does energy cost for the electric semi?

Energy prices vary by region and also fluctuate on an hourly basis, depending on when the energy grid is experiencing increased demand. This means that the cost of energy is typically lower at night, so use cases that allow for overnight truck charging are ideal for maximizing fuel savings. Even after considering fluctuations in energy price, the cost-per-mile of running trucks on electricity is expected to be significantly lower than running on diesel fuel.

Do electric trucks have lower cost of ownership than diesel trucks?

Depending on the region of deployment, grants and incentives may be available to offset the higher initial purchase price of an electric truck, pushing it closer to parity with a comparable diesel truck. This, combined with lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle, can enable owners to achieve a Real Cost of Ownership advantage over operating comparable diesel models.

ELECTRIC SEMI TRUCK COST

What does the Freightliner electric semi cost?

New technologies are always more expensive in the beginning. Currently the high voltage batteries are the largest single cost driver for the eCascadia and its purchase price will be higher than Freightliner products with a conventional powertrain. However, depending on where a customer is located, grants and incentives can help to bring the purchase price down, leading to a reduced Real Cost of Ownership over time, once lower maintenance and fuel costs are considered.

ELECTRIC SEMI TRUCK SPECS

How long does it take to fully charge the eCascadia battery?

Battery charging will vary depending on battery size and the power capability of the charging hardware. To best meet the need for “opportunity charging,” the eCascadia can charge from 0% to 80% in as little as 90 minutes.

What is the range for the eCascadia semi?

The eCascadia has a typical range of 155, 220 or 230 on a full charge, depending on configuration.

How much payload can the electric semi haul?

The maximum Gross Combined Weight (GCW) for the eCascadia and trailer is 82,000 lbs. The approximate curb weight for the eCascadia is 16,350 (4x2 standard-range), 18,750 (4x2 long-range), or 21,800 (6x4).

What kinds of eAxles does the eCascadia have?

eCascadia will come equipped with the new 100% electric Detroit ePowertrain. It boasts instant torque with zero emissions and is available with a single-motor eAxle: 11,500 lb-ft.max torque, and a dual-motor eAxle: 23,000 lb.-ft max torque.