---
title: "Heavy-Duty Engine Manufacturer Detroit Diesel Is Now in the Electric Semi-Truck Business"
description: "Parent company Daimler Trucks just injected $20 million into the Michigan facility."
date: "2021-02-10"
modified: "2021-02-11"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/39197/heavy-duty-engine-manufacturer-detroit-diesel-is-now-in-the-electric-semi-truck-business"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Electric Vehicle"
---

# Heavy-Duty Engine Manufacturer Detroit Diesel Is Now in the Electric Semi-Truck Business

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/02/original.jpeg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Shortly after announcing its split from the [Mercedes-Benz car business](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/39085/its-just-mercedes-benz-now-daimler-name-dropped-for-car-business>), Daimler Trucks is making major moves in [electrifying its semi-truck offerings](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/33989/the-tesla-semi-is-finally-headed-to-volume-production>). The company recently announced that subsidiary Detroit Diesel, despite the "diesel" in its name, will be providing its proprietary ePowertrain for use in [Freightliner's](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/35305/freightliners-battery-powered-semi-trucks-have-logged-over-300000-miles-in-the-real-world>) upcoming eCascadia and eM2 trucks. At the same time, Daimler Trucks also announced the investment of $20 million into the Michigan facility so that it can serve as the supplier of ePowertrain parts for the entire North American market.

To give you a clearer idea of exactly what kind of trucks these things are, the eM2 would be what the layperson would describe as a large moving truck while the eCascadia would be the head of what most recognize as a heavy-duty, 18-wheeler semi.

![message-editor%2F1612991474453-original1.jpeg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1612991474453-original1.jpeg>)
*Freightliner eCascadia, *Freightliner**

Using an eAxle design, Detroit's ePowertrain operates at 400 volts and can be had in either single or dual-motor configurations. The single motor setup delivers 180 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque while the dual-motor is good for 360 hp and 23,000 pound-feet. The eCascadia and eM2 will be available with the buyer's choice of three battery sizes: 210, 315, or 475 kWh.

"By utilizing our Detroit ePowertrain to power the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2, we are giving Freightliner buyers the same level of confidence that comes with our conventionally-powered portfolio, known throughout the industry as having the best total cost of ownership—bar none," said Richard Howard, senior vice president sales and marketing of on-highway segment in a company press release.

As for how all of this translates when the rubber meets the road, Detroit says initial offerings of the medium-duty eM2 will be good for more than 230 miles of range while the Class 8 eCascadia tractor will last 250 miles on a charge. As a reference point, Tesla is promising either 300 or 500 miles of range from its [yet-to-be-delivered Semi](<https://www.tesla.com/semi>) depending on the model.

https://youtube.com/embed/Qm84CEevVtg

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## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)