DTNA has launched its first electric aftermarket route in the U.S. by integrating a Freightliner eCascadia into its parts distribution network in Phoenix, Arizona, in an attempt to further decarbonise its logistics operations.

Located in Byhalia, a town located in Marshall County (just on the Mississippi-Tennessee border near Memphis), the five-hundred-acre site will accommodate a two-million-square-foot plant by 2027.

There was plenty to report from the 2024 edition of the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo held at the Las Vegas Convention Center between May 20-23.

Bangston, who replaces Jeff Sather in the leadership role at FCCC, will lead the two DTNA subsidiaries under a new structure where he is responsible for key business areas in Specialty Vehicles.

Proterra batteries will continue to be supplied to two vehicle ranges built by DTNA brands: the ‘Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley’ school bus by Thomas Built Buses; and the ‘MT50e’ chassis by Freightliner Custom Chassis.

DTNA announced it has rolled out its “circular economy approach” to battery recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing of its lithium-ion CV battery packs. As part of its carbon reduction goals, the approach aims to extend the usability of its batteries and reuse rare-earth materials in the production of new products.

Kel Kearns - veteran of Ford Motor Company - has been appointed as CEO of the joint venture.

The Rizon brand will be offered in four model variants, namely the e16L, e16M, e18L, and the e18M ranging from 7.25T to 8.55T GVW. Importantly, Rizon battery-electric vehicles qualify for Canadian government subsidies through the Medium- and Heavy-duty-Zero-Emission Vehicles” (iMHZEV) program.

Certification requires the necessary aftermarket services including maintenance and repairs, expert consulting services and replacement parts distribution. Furthermore, the centres require charging infrastructure with dedicated BEV serving bays as well as staff upskilling to meet the requirements of BEV fleet maintenance. This enhances DTNA’s aftermarket services across North America. 

Charging infrastructure is continually being built to support additional battery electric truck deployments. DTNA’s truck manufacturing plant in Santiago TMP, Monterrey, has been designated as a new site for the second commercial vehicle charging facility in Mexico, which will be equipped with a Detroit eFill charger, boasting a charging capacity of up to 120kW.

Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT) claims it is a new “voice for zero-emission commercial vehicle infrastructure", citing a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure for battery-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

It will be integrated first with Daimler Truck NA’s ‘Freightliner Cascadia’ range; installation will take place during truck assembly, so that customers will be able to buy autonomous-ready trucks straight from the factory.