Daimler Trucks North America and Walmart develop hybrid-electric Class 8 Cascadia

Hybrid electric Cascadia. Click to enlarge.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) and Walmart have collaborated to build the first hybrid electric Freightliner Cascadia. This truck also marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between DTNA and Walmart to develop innovative, green technologies.

Developed based on a Walmart spec’d truck, the 72-inch raised-roof Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia features a parallel hybrid system based on an electrically-driven second drive axle. The system uses an advanced lithium-ion-based energy storage and advanced electronic control algorithms that were developed in collaboration with the Daimler Trucks Global Hybrid Center in Japan.

With this hybrid system, the conventional drivetrain remains completely intact, allowing for high system reliability from the very beginning. In addition, initial assessments of fuel efficiency further indicate the potential of this technology.

Long-time customer Walmart will work closely with DTNA engineers to create new products that will ultimately serve as a roadmap to future innovations. Walmart has explored other Class 8 hybrid options. (Earlier post.)

The new advanced engineering partnership with Walmart highlights our commitment to green technologies as well as our desire to work closely with core customers to continue developing alternative fuel vehicles. We look forward to seeing what else this joint venture will result in, and to providing Walmart and all of our customers with the right tools that will positively impact their bottom line.

—Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America

DTNA already offers products powered by alternative technologies, including the Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid (earlier post), and the Freightliner Business Class M2 112 natural gas lineup.

Source: Green Car Congress