Commercial electric truck brand RIZON, the newest brand of all-electric trucks manufactured by Daimler Truck, announced the Canadian launch of its Class 4 and 5 vehicles.

The RIZON brand was presented in Canada for the first time at Truck World in Toronto, which took place from April 18 to 20, and will be available to Canadian customers for the first time with pre-orders set to begin in June.

The RIZON trucks first debuted in the US in 2023 at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim, California, and are now operating on American streets for a diverse range of customers.

These vehicles align with the Canadian government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as well as its established incentive programme to encourage fleets to electrify.

These vehicles will qualify for the Canadian government’s Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Vehicles programme, which has been in effect since 2022. A RIZON truck will qualify for about $75 000 at the point of sale under this programme.

Additional provincial incentives are available in British Columbia and Quebec for about $75 000.

Companies and municipalities are now exploring sustainable fleet options to address environmental concerns and operational efficiency.

“Canada is very advanced regarding green energy and infrastructure and is a natural next step for RIZON’s second market,” stated RIZON Truck global head Andreas Deuschle.

He expressed the company’s happiness at bringing its zero-emissions solution to Canadian customers. He explained that the vehicles are proven original-equipment manufacturer trucks with the latest technology from Daimler Truck, adding that Rizon is the “best Class 4 and 5 fully-electric truck money can buy”.

RIZON will now offer four model variants for Canadian customers, the e16L, e16M, e18L and the e18M, with a versatile mix of configurations and options suitable for each customer’s unique requirements, ranging from 15995 lb to 18 850 lb in gross weight.

The vehicles will be able to run up to 257 km, for the L size variant with three battery packs, and up to 177 km, for the M size variant with two battery packs – on a single charge. However, the company notes that the distance may vary based on environment conditions, battery health or charge level, recuperation usage, road traffic and style of driving.

The vehicles are ideally suited to a variety of applications such as dry vans, flatbeds, landscape dumps, and reefers, featuring an electric power take-off, which is controllable from the cab and allows for specialised equipment such as reefer belt drives and hydraulic pumps.

In addition to their versatility, RIZON trucks incorporate advanced passive and active safety systems to help safeguard drivers, passengers and communities.

Drivers can reportedly feel “even more secure” in stop and-go traffic and congested urban areas as the trucks feature Daimler Truck’s safety technology, including active brake assist and active side guard assist.

Additionally, the RIZON trucks are compatible with two types of battery charging systems, Level 2 AC Charging and DC Fast Charging CCS1.

An important aspect of operating electric vehicles in Canada is cold-weather performance. The RIZON trucks feature an electric preconditioning function that brings the batteries to the ideal temperature before operation, using power from the grid.

The trucks will also be equipped with heated features for driver comfort, which includes a heated seat, steering wheel and windshield.

By leveraging Daimler Truck’s expertise in designing and building commercial vehicles, RIZON is built on the knowledge that comes from over eight-million kilometres of electric driving.

Boasting proprietary connectivity services from RIZONCONNECT, a fully integrated safety system, a warranty, and financing from Daimler Truck Financial Services, RIZON’s connection to the Daimler Truck portfolio is strong.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024, RIZON vehicles will be distributed in Canada through an exclusive agreement with Velocity Electric Vehicle Canada.

With sales consultants and technicians experienced in commercial e-mobility, Velocity touchpoints will serve as ‘one-stop shops’ for customers interested in making the jump to electric trucks.