Freightliner Cascadia 2020: Leading in Automation & Safety

The 2020 Freightliner Cascadia marks a significant leap in the transportation industry, becoming the first truck on the market to boast SAE Level 2 automation capabilities. This Level 2 automation allows the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 to autonomously control acceleration, deceleration, and lane keeping, providing a safer and more relaxed driving experience for drivers.

This advanced automation system is built upon the Detroit Assurance 5.0 driver assistance system, combined with Active Lane Assistant. This perfect combination enables the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 to operate smoothly and automatically across all speed ranges, from highways to busy urban areas.

Freightliner Cascadia 2020 truck showcasing Level 2 automation

Superior Safety System on the Freightliner Cascadia 2020

The Freightliner Cascadia 2020 is equipped with the standard Detroit Assurance safety system, integrated across all Cascadia models and Detroit powertrains. This system serves as a robust foundation for the truck’s active and passive safety features.

Detroit Assurance safety system featured on the Freightliner Cascadia 2020

A highlight of the safety system is Active Brake Assist 5.0 technology. This technology utilizes a combination of Radar and a high-resolution (HD) camera, mounted on the windshield, to enhance object detection. The system can detect up to 40 objects, including stationary objects, within a range of 800 feet (approximately 244 meters) ahead of the truck. When a collision risk is detected, Active Brake Assist 5.0 automatically applies emergency braking to mitigate consequences, while simultaneously alerting the driver with both visual and audible warnings.

In adverse weather conditions, the Radar system of the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 maximizes its obstacle detection capabilities, especially when visibility is limited. The camera plays a crucial role in lane departure warnings and traffic sign recognition, new features improved in the 2020 version.

Camera and radar sensors on the windshield of Freightliner Cascadia 2020 for safety systems

Notable Improvements on the Freightliner Cascadia 2020

The Freightliner Cascadia 2020 not only excels in safety technology but also features significant improvements in performance and convenience:

Advanced Aerodynamics: Optimized aerodynamic design helps the truck cut through the air more smoothly, thereby increasing fuel efficiency by up to 35% compared to the first-generation Cascadia in 2007. This helps reduce operating costs and increase profits for transportation businesses.
Automatic Wipers: The automatic wiper system activates when sensors on the windshield detect moisture, ensuring consistently clear visibility in rain or fog.
Intelligent Headlights: Intelligent headlights automatically adjust the light beam based on ambient light conditions. Sensors on the windshield recognize poor visibility conditions such as dusk or low light and automatically turn on the headlights. The intelligent high-beam system uses an HD camera to scan the road ahead and automatically adjusts between low and high beams when detecting oncoming or preceding vehicles.

Headlight of Freightliner Cascadia 2020 featuring intelligent lighting technology

Freightliner Cascadia 2020 Interior: Designed for Driver Comfort

Understanding that truck drivers frequently travel and work in their vehicles for extended periods, the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 pays special attention to interior design. The cabin space is optimized, spacious, and comfortable, meeting all driver needs such as paperwork, dining, resting, entertainment, and even light exercise.

Spacious and comfortable interior of the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 truck cab

Powerful and Efficient Engine of the Freightliner Cascadia 2020

The Freightliner Cascadia 2020 is equipped with the Detroit Integrated Drivetrain (IDP), including the ultra-fuel-efficient DD15 and DD13 engines. These engines produce a maximum power of up to 505 horsepower, combined with the advanced DT12 automated manual transmission, delivering optimal operating performance and superior fuel economy.

Powerful Detroit engine in the Freightliner Cascadia 2020 truck