NHTSA Investigation PE24032

EVDM connector plate separation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) on November 6, 2024, to investigate Electric Vehicle Distribution Module (EVDM) connector plate separation on model year (MY) 2020-2025 Freightliner eCascadia and MY2022-2025 Freightliner eM2 electric trucks. The EVDM connector plate contains multiple safety-related circuits including Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), stability control and vehicle protective mechanisms to de-energize the high-voltage propulsion system. In January 2025, prior to Daimler Truck North America's (DTNA) final response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, DTNA conducted controlled testing of the EVDM. The final test results demonstrated that in certain circumstances of EVDM separation, the vehicle may lose motive power without prior warning to the driver. Based on the EVDM testing results, DTNA filed a recall (NHTSA ID 25V-046). This recall covers MY2020-2025 Freightliner eCascadia and MY2022-2026 Freightliner eM2 electric trucks. These vehicles will have the EVDM replaced if the plate shows separation from the housing. The recall chronology identified that DTNA had received nine warranty claims and six field reports for this issue. This Preliminary Evaluation has been closed as a result of the manufacturer filing recall 25V-046. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.