XPO Logistics (XPO) has partnered with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) to test Daimler’s battery-electric commercial trucks under real-life operating conditions in California.
The fleet and market-leading truck maker have a decade-long history of innovation in the transportation space. For this latest project, XPO drivers will use tractors from DTNA’s Freightliner Electric Innovation and Customer Experience (CX) Fleet for a nine-month pilot program in the Oakland area. The data generated by the XPO pilot will help inform DTNA’s final design of its battery-electric truck prior to full series production.
“We’re pleased to contribute to the environmental sustainability of supply chains by providing real-life operating data to our long-time partner, DTNA,” said XPO President Troy Cooper. “The CX pilot is also an opportunity for us to evaluate how battery-electric trucks perform for our customers and drivers. Our partnerships with manufacturers are an important way we help advance industry innovation.”
In addition to leading the Freightliner CX pilot in Oakland, XPO will be providing input to DTNA as a member of the Freightliner Electric Vehicle Council. The pilot is supported by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which partially funded the deployment.
“XPO is providing us valuable information about the performance, maintenance and cost of operating our all-electric Freightliner eCascadia while helping to shape the future of CO₂-neutral transportation for supply chains nationwide,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president of on-highway sales and marketing at DTNA. “We appreciate their partnership and participation in the process of co-creation.”