Daimler Truck launched Rizon, a new U.S.-focused medium-duty electric truck brand, on the eve of California regulators voting whether to require fleets to purchase 5%-10% EVs beginning in 2024.
The coincidental timing expands Daimler’s battery-powered portfolio to cover Class 4 to 8 trucks. The production version of the Class 6 Freightliner eM2 is expected at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California, next week.
Rizon trucks debut at the ACT Expo. Daimler made Rizon its ninth brand.
Daimler introduced a new version of its medium-duty Mitsubishi Fuso EV at the IAA Transportation show in Germany in September. Executives said if the Japanese-built truck ever came to the U.S. it would be without the Mitsubishi Fuso name.
The Rizon vehicles look remarkably similar to the new eCanter. Executives did not address rebranding questions submitted by FreightWaves on a Thursday evening conference call.