Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA) is significantly advancing its clean transportation capabilities on Portland’s Swan Island, unveiling plans for a cutting-edge Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) training center and a sophisticated engineering facility dedicated to emergent propulsion technologies.
Adjacent to the innovative Electric Island, the new EVSE training center represents a strategic extension, bolstering the infrastructure for commercial vehicle charging. Originating from a pioneering collaboration with Portland General Electric in 2021 to establish a first-of-its-kind public charging station, this facility aims to support DTNA’s dealer network and serve as a vital resource for community stakeholders. With an estimated cost of $3 million, half of which is covered by a forgivable loan from Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, this project underscores a significant commitment to sustainable transportation.
Concurrently, DTNA is set to develop a new 110,000 square-foot engineering facility at a projected cost of $40 million, aimed at centralizing research and development efforts on battery electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles. This investment is partially supported by a $700,000 forgivable loan from the State of Oregon’s Strategic Reserve fund, reflecting strong governmental backing for clean energy initiatives.
John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA, highlighted the company’s ongoing dedication to the region, stating, “Daimler Truck North America is proud to call Portland, Oregon our home. We appreciate the City and State’s support of our expansion plans to further promote the development and proper testing of advanced technology and look forward to collaborating for many more years to come on training and employing a future-ready workforce.”
Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang remarked on the strategic importance of DTNA’s expansion, noting, “Oregon is the location of choice for businesses leading clean technology innovation in the U.S. .Our partnership with local and regional economic development leaders to support DTNA’s investment adds to the region’s competitiveness and will provide opportunities for our skilled workforce in manufacturing and engineering for years to come.”
Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio praised DTNA’s enduring leadership in heavy-duty vehicle technology, recognizing the contributions from Governor Kotek and the Prosper Portland team. “DTNA is an anchor employer in our city, and today’s announcement is a proud moment for all involved. The future of heavy-duty vehicle technology in Portland is very bright – and very green,” said Rubio.
These initiatives strengthen DTNA’s long-standing association with Portland, dating back to the acquisition of Freightliner in 1981, and highlight the city’s critical role in fostering sustainable vehicle technologies. Employing over 3,000 people locally, DTNA remains at the forefront of innovation, particularly through the production of the battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 at the historic Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant, operational since 1969.
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