This is part of Daimler’s uniform basic architecture that will be used for battery-electric vehicles built and sold around the world. By using shared components, economies of scale should reduce the price of these vehicles. The company also announced that they are investing $20 million in a Detroit, Michigan-based manufacturing facility to build ePowertrain components in the U.S.

According to Richard Howard, senior vice president of sales and marketing, highway segment, buyers can expect the same ownership experience with these electric vehicles that they get from the company’s conventional offerings. That includes the same support, build quality and focus on uptime. Service and support for these vehicles will be provided by Freightliner’s current dealer network. That means buyers do not need to worry about using a specific repair facility to get these new powertrains worked on.

Initially, this new electric powertrain will use an eAxle design operating at 400 volts. It will be sold in two versions. A single motor version will deliver a rated 180 horsepower and up to 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque. The dual motor version delivers up to 360 horsepower and 23,000 lb.-ft. of torque. Both trucks will be available with 210, 315 or 475 kWh battery packs. With the largest pack, DTNA says the medium duty eM2 will have a maximum range of 230 miles, while the Class 8 eCascadia will have a maximum range of 250 miles. These battery packs are built using a series of lithium-ion prismatic cells.

Initial production of the ePowertrain will begin later this year, while production of both Freightliner model will start in 2022.