- Daimler Truck has introduced a Freightliner eCascadia with a level 4 autonomous driving system.
- It is a glimpse of a future in which goods could be transported without drivers and emissions.
- A level 4 series semi-finished product is planned for the coming years.
There is a shortage of truck drivers in America, but relief is on the way as Daimler Truck plans to offer an autonomous semi-truck by 2027. This would be a groundbreaking development as the Level 4 vehicle would not require a human driver under certain conditions.
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Even if this is still a thing of the future, the company is giving us a glimpse into the future with an autonomous Freightliner eCascadia technology demonstrator. As the name suggests, the prototype is based on the electric eCascadia and features autonomous driving technology from Torc Robotics, Daimler Truck’s “independent autonomous virtual driver technology subsidiary.”
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The company was reticent to provide details but said the technology demonstrator should have “many similarities” with the production eCascadia. This particular model is a Class 8 truck that features 291 and 438 kWh battery packs. They allow the semi-truck to travel between 155 and 230 miles (249 and 370 km) on a single charge.
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While the company didn’t reveal what powertrain the prototype has, it does have a sensor bar with cameras as well as lidar and radar sensors. The bar, mounted high on the vehicle, helps improve aerodynamics, protect sensors and prevent “contamination”.
More sensors are mounted further down, and Daimler said the demonstrator has four additional 12-volt batteries to “ensure uninterrupted operation” while increasing safety. The model is also equipped with a compute stack placed between the seats and uses a prototype air cooling concept.
The model is intended to be used on short, repeatable routes with charging infrastructure. Daimler added that while it is still a research and development project, the autonomous vehicle has the potential to evolve into a modular, scalable platform that is powertrain independent and suitable for flexible use in various truck applications .
John O’Leary, CEO of Daimler Truck North America, said: “By combining zero-emission and autonomous technologies in one product, we are testing solutions to challenges our customers are likely to face in the future.” We want to give them choices that “allowing them to do what they do best: keep the world moving today and in the future.” However, the company’s first autonomous trucks will use conventional powertrains.
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