Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - June 2023 - 26

ORIGINAL
EQUIPMENT
Daimler launches Rizon EV truck brand for U.S. market
Rizon initially will offer three cabover model variants, the e18L, e16L and the e16M.
Daimler Truck has launched a new brand, Rizon, dedicated to
Class 4 and 5 medium-duty battery-electric vehicles for the
U.S. market. Making its public debut at the 2023 Advanced
Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, Calif., Rizon will
challenge established truck makers such as Isuzu Motors and
Hino Motors as well as several startups in the medium-duty
commercial-vehicle space (www.sae.org/news/2023/04/medium-duty-electric-trucks-dominate-at-ntea-show).
" The
U.S. has always been a very important market to
Daimler Truck, and we are already very successful here, particularly
with our heavy-duty trucks, " Karl Deppen, board
member of Daimler Truck, said during a virtual launch event
for media ahead of the ACT Expo. " However, this region also
has immense potential as a market for electric vehicles. "
Deppen added that Rizon capitalizes on years of customer
feedback and data amassed from Daimler's existing electric
trucks, including the Freightliner eM2 medium-duty truck,
which will remain unaffected by the addition of this new
brand, he said. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for
the eM2 is 26,000 lbs. (Class 6) or 33,000 lbs. (Class 7).
Rizon initially will offer three cabover model variants, the
e18L, e16L and the e16M, with a wheelbase of 175 or 187 inches
(4445 or 4750 mm) and various body options such as dry
vans, flatbeds, landscape dumps and reefers. Targeting urban
retail logistics, last-mile deliveries and municipal work, the
Class 4 and 5 BEVs range from 15,995 to 17,995 lbs. in GVW
and feature an " OEM proprietary powertrain with eAxle " and
lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL positioned
below the frame.
" We have chosen LFP batteries as we think they provide to
Class 4 and 5 truck customers the best combination of safety,
durability, weight and range, " Andreas Deuschle, the global
head of Rizon, said on the call with reporters. " Looking at the
truck chassis, you will see a very robust crash-tested [steel]
enclosure around our battery packs. We accept the additional
weight of this safety feature as we are convinced that it is a
must-have to reduce the risk of battery damage in case of
side impact. "
Expected driving range is 110-160 miles (177-257 km) for
124-kWh L models with three battery packs and 75-110 miles
(120-177 km) for the 83-kWh M variant with two battery
packs. Rizon trucks are capable of being recharged by Level 2
AC charging (J1772) in 5-6 hours, according to Deuschle, and
CCS1-compliant DC fast charging in 45-90 minutes.
Consulting on AC and DC charging as well as factory-fitted
telematics access will be available.
" We are in the process of making arrangements with Siemens
Production volumes for the new electric truck, which was available for
ride-and-drives at the ACT Expo, are expected to be in the hundreds this
year and the thousands next year, said a rep for distributor Velocity.
26 June 2023
to offer their AC chargers through the Rizon dealer network, "
Deuschle said. " Rizon customers also have the chance to join
the Detroit eFill charging network for DC charging. "
Rizon trucks incorporate advanced passive and active safety
systems commonly used in Freightliner and MercedesTRUCK
& OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
FROM TOP: RIZON; SAE/RYAN GEHM

http://www.sae.org/news/2023/04/medium-duty-electric-trucks-dominate-at-ntea-show

Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - June 2023

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