Forging a Sustainable Path: Freightliner Introduces Its Electric Trucks
As one of the first trucking companies to go electric, Freightliner is proud to introduce the trial runs of their eCascadia vehicles. In August 2019, the manufacturer held a press conference and key-giving ceremony to the truck drivers who’ll be testing out these futuristic tractors. It’s time to see how the electric truck came into being.
1. Aligning the Production Line
With nearly 200,000 original Cascadia trucks on the road in North America today, Freightliner continues to be a force in the trucking business. In fact, right-hand steer models will soon be available in Australia and other international markets. The manufacturer is proud of its spread across the globe with traditional trucks offering reliable logistics for hundreds of companies.
The eCascadia is soon to follow in the Cascadia’s footsteps. Production is being ramped up along with supplying service centers across the nation with parts and training. Both fuel and electric trucks can soon be serviced side by side by the same mechanic.
2. Prioritizing Customer Experiences
Branching out to electric trucks means that more support is necessary for customers. Along with engineering innovations, the manufacturer is also creating a Customer Experience group that focuses solely on the end user. There are many reasons to consider electrification of a truck fleet, but the technology means nothing if customer service is lacking.
The company aims to listen, respond and cultivate customer relations so that communication doesn’t break down. Any issues can then be solved with little effort. This strategy also extends to warranty protections. With paperwork now being an endpoint for companies, fleets can be repaired and moved into service with rapid ease.
3. Engineering Prowess
It takes more than a few engineers to get an electric vehicle off the design floor. From engine choices to Allison transmissions, every detail requires an evaluation. For the eCascadia, engineers were able to move it into production after only 18 months.
This time period is considerably short. It includes the invaluable help of trucking associates, such as NFI and Penske. They know the trucking industry from a different angle. Putting the engineers in touch with these professionals only improves the overall product.
4. Spreading Out the Electric Vehicles
Southern California has multiple reasons to consider electrification of its shipping vehicles. Air pollution is a hot topic, and it can only be helped with fewer fossil fuels being burned by logistical companies.
Both Penske and NFI are planning on trying out more than two-dozen eCascadias with Allison transmissions in their core regions, including the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Inland Empire will also see these vehicles on the road. The trial runs will hopefully invigorate the trucking industry with more electric vehicles.
To learn more about electric vehicles, download 5 Reasons to Electrify today. The manufacturer is just one of the many companies that will soon merge with electricity and never look back. The Earth will be thankful as a result.
See electricity in action on the road. Learn all about Freightliner’s contribution to sustainable logistics!
