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YOUNTVILLE, Calif. — Daimler Trucks North America has handed over its first two battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia models to NFI and Penske Truck Leasing for use in their daily freight operations.

Some industry representatives suggest that electric-powered vehicles will not only reduce diesel pollutants, but also ­attract a new generation of recruits to the field of heavy truck maintenance.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Many transportation executives see a role for electric trucks in the years to come, but the question of which power-delivery method will move to the forefront — pure-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell electric — remains open, experts said.

All major truck builders and several startups are preparing to develop, test and market either battery-electric vehicles or fuel-cell/battery models in the very near term. Replacing diesel-powered Class 8 trucks, though, will present numerous challenges to an industry accustomed to proven and reliable diesel-­engine technology.

The Lion Electric Co. announced its first all-electric Class 8, a day cab model.

Plug-in pickup trucks look to be the next frontier in the budding electric vehicle industry as startup Rivian Automotive is said to be in talks with General Motors Co. and Amazon.com.

LAS VEGAS — Amid a sea of gadgets, drones, robots and virtual reality demos, commercial trucking carved out a significant niche for itself here at the Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest technology event.

LAS VEGAS — Daimler Trucks North America announced SAE Level 2 automated driving will be available beginning in July on its flagship Freightliner Cascadia model, calling it an industry first.

Daimler Trucks North America on Dec. 20 delivered to Penske Truck Leasing the first in a series of electric trucks Penske plans to deploy in California and the Pacific Northwest.

Swedish mining equipment maker Epiroc AB on Nov. 14 launched a new range, including what it says is the largest battery-powered vehicle for mining below the Earth’s surface: a 42 ton-capacity truck that can haul blasted rock through narrow tunnels.