Daimler Truck, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has debuted a line of electric trucks in the United States under its new Rizon brand.
A trio of battery electric trucks will initially be available – the e18L, e16L, and the e16M. The ‘L’ and ‘M’ refer to the size of the battery packs, with each model using either two or three 41kWh battery packs for combined figures of 82kWh for the M models and 124kWh for the L models.
The class 4 and 5 medium-duty battery electric trucks will therefore range from 15,995 up to 17,995 lbs in gross vehicle weight and offer driving range of between 120-175km for the M models and 175-260km for the L models.
Importantly, Rizon trucks will also be able to be charged by two types of battery charging systems – Level 2 AC Charging and DC Fast Charging compliant with the CCS1 protocol.
Daimler trucks expects that the new Rizon trucks will be “ideally suited” for use as dry vans, flatbeds, landscape dumps, and reefers. The initial truck offerings are designed to be suited to urban retail logistics, last-mile deliveries, and municipal work.
Rizon trucks will also utilise a combination of passive and active safety systems to help protect drivers, passengers, and the communities in which they operate. Safety features offered include Active Brake Assist and Active Side Guard Assist.
All Rizon trucks will also come with a 5-year/120,000km warranty for the powertrain, chassis, and cab, and a 5-year/193,000km warranty for the batteries.
Set to be available in the fourth quarter of this year, all Rizon trucks will be distributed through the United States through an exclusive agreement with Velocity. With no mention, therefore, of other distributors or markets, there appears no immediate intention to bring Rizon battery electric trucks to other countries.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.