SAN FRANCISCO: Daimler Truck, the commercial vehicle manufacturer, has introduced Rizon, a medium-duty electric truck brand for the United States market, aiming to compete with Isuzu Motors Ltd and Hino Motors Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp’s truck and bus unit. This launch is a significant step forward in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the commercial transportation industry.
Despite the anticipation of a shift to EVs due to their lower maintenance costs, adoption has been slow because of the higher initial purchase price and a lack of adequate charging infrastructure. However, Karl Deppen, head of Daimler Truck Asia, noted that purchase prices for some vehicles are decreasing with the help of various grants, and interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is rising due to their quietness and comfort compared to diesel trucks. Deppen sees a growing drive towards locally emission-free vehicles and BEVs, making it the perfect opportunity for Rizon.
Rizon trucks will feature Class 4 and 5 models with lithium iron phosphate battery technology, and production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2023, according to Andreas Deuschle, the global head of Rizon. Distribution is set to start in the fourth quarter of 2023 through an exclusive agreement with Velocity Vehicle Group.
This announcement comes as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed sweeping emissions cuts for new cars and trucks through 2032, potentially leading to two-thirds of new vehicles sold being electric within a decade. Stricter rules for medium-duty vehicles are also expected to reduce emissions by 44% over 2026.
Daimler’s existing medium-duty electric offerings include the Freightliner eM2 106 for distribution purposes, such as beverage delivery, and the Freightliner eCascadia, an 18-wheeler designed for regional distribution and port services with a range of up to 230 miles. Rizon trucks will offer a range of 75 miles to 110 miles (121 km to 177 km) or 110 miles to 160 miles (177 km to 257 km), depending on the battery variant. The company plans to target customers involved in urban retail logistics, last-mile deliveries, and municipal work with its new Rizon brand.
Daimler AG, a prominent German automotive company, held the position of the second-largest German automaker and the sixth-largest worldwide by production in 2021. In an effort to rebrand and refocus its business, the company underwent a corporate restructuring and changed its name to Mercedes-Benz Group in February 2022. The name change was intended to leverage the brand recognition of Mercedes-Benz, its most well-known luxury car and truck brand, and better reflect the company’s core focus.
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