Freightliner Unveils Driver-Focused Updates to Cascadia

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Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  October 23, 2017

ORLANDO — New upgrades to Freightliner’s new Cascadia model aimed at the driver were announced at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition. The new updates include keyless entry and medical power supply option designed for a CPAP machine.

With Keyless entry, users can lock and unlock doors, roll down windows and, if equipped, test the bulbs on the truck’s exterior before a trip. Each truck purchase includes two keyless entry transmitters that are paired at the plant and one transmitter that can be paired to multiple trucks for fleet owners.

Freightliner has also added a medical power supply that’s designed to provide 8 to 10 hours of power for a typical continuous positive airway pressure device, to help drivers with breathing problems while sleeping.

The optional medical device power supply includes three main components: an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery securely mounted under the bunk and vented externally; a 12-volt dedicated, labeled power outlet mounted on the front of the bunk, and a charge control isolator. The battery is automatically recharged from either the alternator or from shore power if so equipped.

AGM is a fine fiberglass mat that offers the benefits of a gelled mat but can withstand more wear and tear. The battery’s design holds the electrolyte in suspension, fueling higher efficiency when discharging and recharging, according to Freightliner.

“Part of what makes the new Cascadia best-in-class is that we are continually making improvements that benefit our customers,” said Kary Schaefer, general manager, marketing and strategy, Daimler Trucks North America. “Much of that focuses on safety and fuel economy of course, but we’re also making our product more productive and functional for the drivers. Each new feature is an important part of ensuring that every new Cascadia is a smart investment.”

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