Most capacious test run in the history of Mercedes-Benz Trucks: two Near-Series prototypes of the new electric flagship, eActros 600.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks launched its most extensive test run ever from Frankfurt am Main. The “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” features two Near-Series prototypes of the new electric flagship, eActros 600. Battery-electric long-haul trucks traveling more than 13,000 kilometers through over 20 countries
Each truck carries a total towing weight of 40 tons. Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, drove the first few kilometers.
The initiative emphasizes the need for public charging infrastructure development.
These battery-electric long-haul trucks will cover more than 13,000 kilometers each, passing through over 20 European countries with a total towing weight of 40 tons. The tour will include notable landmarks such as the North Cape in Norway and Tarifa in Spain, the northernmost and southernmost points in Continental Europe. Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, kicked off the tour by driving one of the e-trucks for the initial kilometers. The tour began unofficially at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ location in Worth am Rhein and Daimler Truck AG’s headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen.
Commitment to Electric Mobility
Karin Rådström expressed her gratitude to the engineers involved in the journey: I would like to thank our engineers who are embarking on the journey with the eActros 600. Battery-electric long-distance transport in Europe is possible. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to share these insights with interested customers to demonstrate the viability of electric long-haul transport.
Advanced Technology and Features
The eActros 600 boasts a high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours, and its new, efficient electric drive axle, developed in-house, allows the truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging. The journey will traverse multiple countries including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
About the eActros 600
Approximately 60 percent of long-distance journeys by Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe are shorter than 500 kilometers, making existing charging infrastructure at depots and loading points sufficient for these routes. For longer trips, expanding the public charging infrastructure is crucial. The eActros 600 supports CCS charging with up to 400 kW and will later offer megawatt charging (MCS). In April 2024, Mercedes-Benz Trucks successfully tested a prototype of the eActros 600 at a one-megawatt charging station. Customers can order a pre-installation for MCS, and once the technology is standardized, it will be retrofittable to early models of the eActros 600. The batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a one-megawatt charging station.
Design and Profitability
The eActros 600 features a sleek, aerodynamic design with clear lines, setting new standards for profitability for fleet operators. It aims to replace the majority of diesel trucks in long-haul transport over time. Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ holistic approach to battery-electric long-distance transport includes vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services.
The eActros 600’s batteries have three packs, each with 207 kWh, offering a total installed capacity of 621 kWh. Its range, determined under specific test conditions, may vary based on usage and ambient conditions. The eActros 600 represents a significant step forward in sustainable long-distance transportation, showcasing Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.