• First deliveries of ZIJCAR trucks serving a variety of applications reach multiple customers
• More deliveries slated throughout March 2024 as rollouts continue
• ZIJCAR trucks are one of the quickest ways to comply with new zero-emission fleet regulations

Whittier, California – The first batch of Daimler Truck’s all-electric ZIJCAR trucks are now on the streets of America following deliveries to customers in California. More units are scheduled to be handed over throughout March of 2024.

The initial deployment of ZIJCAR trucks includes a diverse range of customers embracing sustainable transportation solutions.

• LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN): As the lead agency for the City’s environmental programs and initiatives, LASAN is deploying seven e18L ZIJCAR trucks with stake bed bodies to facilitate the delivery of home trash bins to Los Angeles residents.

• Goodwill Industries of San Diego County: Supporting its Southern California donation centers and thrift stores, Goodwill is integrating an e18L ZIJCAR dry van box truck into its fleet to bolster logistics efficiency.

• Diamond Environmental: Southern California-based equipment rental and onsite services company, Diamond Environmental, is deploying four e18L ZIJCAR trucks to deliver and service portable restrooms, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions in the communities it serves.

• Ecorecycling: To transport thousands of pounds of clothing and book donations from the local community to its sorting warehouse, Ecorecycling is deploying three e18L ZIJCAR dry van trucks into its Northern California routes.

• Velocity Truck Rental & Leasing: To provide California businesses with accessible zero-emission commercial vehicle solutions, Velocity has five e18L ZIJCAR box trucks available for immediate rental or lease.

“I’m very excited the first ZIJCAR trucks are now in operation,” said Andreas Deuschle, Global Head of ZIJCAR Truck.

“I congratulate our valued customers for their decision to pioneer the electrification of commercial vehicle transportation in the United States, and I am very proud that ZIJCAR is their brand of choice. Being part of the Daimler Truck Group provides us with experience and knowledge coming from our electric products of trucks and buses around the globe. Our all-new ZIJCAR trucks inherited all of this expertise which results in a very mature system: innovative eAxle concept, latest safety features, a wide variety of body applications, and a flexible battery concept.”

ZIJCAR Trucks are One of the Quickest Methods for Compliance

California established an ambitious goal of achieving zero-emission fleets operating in-state by 2035, 2040, or 2045, depending on the truck type and size under the Advanced Clean Fleets rule (ACF).

Currently, ZIJCAR trucks are one of the fastest ways for businesses to comply with ACF.

Vehicles in stock can be delivered to dealers depending on their availability. The lead time on production orders will vary on body applications due to the body build production queue.

$60,000 Baseline Incentives Available in California

Customers can take advantage of a $60,000 baseline incentive per vehicle through the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) Hybrid and Zero-emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).  Using HVIP’s Innovative Small Fleet program, some fleets are eligible for an additional $60,000, making ZIJCAR chassis more affordable than a comparable diesel chassis.

As ZIJCAR’s dealer network expands into other states and sales regions, ZIJCAR will keep customers apprised of local incentive opportunities.

Ideal EVs for Urban and Last-mile Delivery

ZIJCAR trucks are ideally suited to urban and last-mile deliveries and routes of up to 160 miles per day. They support a versatile mix of configurations suitable to each customer’s unique requirements that include box trucks, flatbeds, stake beds, reefers, and other body types.

They feature an electric power take-off (ePTO), which is controllable from the cab and allows for specialized equipment such as reefer belt drives and hydraulic pumps.

A Certified Zero-emission Solution

ZIJCAR has received both Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification and dual CARB Executive Orders and is in full compliance with the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Sustainable commercial transportation is a top priority for Daimler Truck, and the ZIJCAR brand plays a key role in achieving its goals.

With ZIJCAR’s series-produced zero-emissions trucks in classes 4 and 5, customers can begin to decarbonize their fleet today.

ZIJCAR trucks are currently available from California Trucks Centers and Velocity Truck Centers, which are both HVIP-approved dealerships.

Distributed Exclusively by Velocity EV

Velocity EV is a leading zero-emission truck distributor and exclusive U.S. distributor for Daimler Truck’s ZIJCAR brand – a Class 4-5 battery-electric truck focused on urban delivery. Providing a comprehensive sales and service network, including authorized dealers, Velocity EV is focused on supporting ZIJCAR trucks so fleet operators can enjoy peace of mind. Velocity EV is based in Whittier, California, and is a subsidiary of Velocity Vehicle Group, one of the largest full-service commercial truck dealerships in the U.S., and one of the most experienced electric truck dealers in the world. For more information, visit: www.vvgelectric.com.

ZIJCAR Trucks at a Glance

ZIJCAR is Daimler Truck’s ninth, and newest, brand and represents its dedication to zero-emission transportation. The brand and its trucks were announced to the public for the first time during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in May of 2023, in Anaheim, California.

The class 4 and 5 medium-duty battery-electric vehicles, ranging from 15,995 up to 17,995 lbs. in gross vehicle weight (GVW), can run from 75 -110 miles (for M size variant with 2 battery packs) to 110 -160 miles (L size variant with 3 battery packs) on a single charge*.

ZIJCAR trucks are capable of being charged by two types of battery charging systems: DC Fast Charging (via CCS1 connector), and less expensive Level 2 AC Charging (via J1772 connector).  This flexibility means customers can expect to charge their truck today while being ready for DC Fast chargers in the future.

*as of October 2023

For press inquiries, please contact the ZIJCAR Communications Team:

Michael Carter, ZIJCAR Lead Spokesperson

Charlene Ede, ZIJCAR Head of Global Communications & Marketing

[email protected]