Daimler Truck North America has revealed a groundbreaking development in the realm of electric commercial vehicles, showcasing a demonstrator electric semi-truck equipped with autonomous driving technology.
The Freightliner eCascadia, an electric autonomous technology demonstrator, is built on the foundation of a production electric Freightliner eCascadia. It features Torc Robotics’ autonomous driving software and cutting-edge Level 4 sensor and compute technology, paving the way for eventual Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
Level 4 autonomy denotes a fully autonomous system that can manage most driving scenarios independently, although a driver is still required to be present in the vehicle.
Torc Robotics, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, is Daimler Truck’s independent subsidiary specializing in autonomous driving technology for trucks.
The primary objective behind this initiative is to transform this research and engineering project into a modular, scalable platform capable of serving various trucking applications, thereby offering customized solutions to customers.
The electric Class 8 Freightliner eCascadia, which entered production in 2022, is currently operational in over 55 fleets across the United States. It is equipped with the proprietary Detroit ePowertrain, offering several battery and drive axle options with range capabilities of 155, 220, or 230 miles. Moreover, the battery can be charged up to 80% in just 90 minutes.
To accommodate the autonomous sensor suite and computer power, the eCascadia’s smaller day cab configuration has been optimized. Daimler Truck North America’s engineering team has devised an innovative prototype air-cooling concept for the compute stack, positioned between the driver and passenger seats.
Customized software facilitates the autonomous system with control interfaces and provides feedback on the vehicle’s status. Cameras, lidar, and radar sensors are positioned above the windscreen, with an in-house designed sensor bar cover safeguarding against damage and soiling. Additionally, four additional 12-volt batteries ensure uninterrupted operation, enhancing efficiency and safety.
Daimler envisions the autonomous eCascadia being deployed on shorter, repeatable routes. Presently, the autonomous electric semi-truck demonstrator is undergoing testing between freight centers along US highway corridors.
Daimler Truck has been actively developing and testing autonomous truck technology since 2015, with a goal of introducing production SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks to the US market by 2027.
