Daimler Trucks and Walmart Develop Hybrid Electric Cascadia

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) and Walmart have collaborated to build the first-ever 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 advanced hybrid technology, 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.

“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,” said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.