Daimler Trucks North America says it has collaborated with Walmart Transportation to build a hybrid-electric Freightliner Cascadia. The truck-tractor also marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between DTNA and Walmart to develop innovative, green technologies.

Based on a Walmart-spec'd tractor, the 72-inch raised-roof Cascadia has a Detroit Diesel DD15 and a parallel hybrid system with an electric motor-generator geared to its second drive axle. The system uses advanced lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and advanced electronic controls that were developed in collaboration with the Daimler Trucks Global Hybrid Center in Japan.

With this hybrid system, the conventional drivetrain remains completely intact, allowing for high system reliability from the very beginning. Initial assessments of fuel savings indicate further potential for this technology, Daimler said.

Long-time customer Walmart will work closely with DTNA engineers to create new products that will ultimately serve as a roadmap to future innovations, the two companies said.

"Walmart is partnering with our suppliers like Daimler Trucks North America to develop technologies that will improve the efficiency and lessen the impact of our operations," said Chris Sultemeier, Walmart's senior vice president of transportation. "These partnerships help to prove out these technologies and speed up the time to market."

"We look forward to seeing what else this joint venture will result in, and to providing Walmart and all of our customers with the right tools that will positively impact their bottom line," said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.

DTNA's existing products powered by alternative technologies include the Freightliner Business Class M2-106 Hybrid and M2-112 natural gas-powered trucks and tractors.