On June 30, 2021, Mercedes-Benz Trucks premiered its first electrically powered heavy-duty truck, the eActros. With its launch, the German manufacturer heralds a new era in its product range.
“We have to recognize that transport is part of the problem when it comes to climate change. At the same time, we can and will be part of the solution. That’s why we start with our eActros, which has already covered more than half a million kilometers on public roads, ”says Karin Radström, Member of the Management Board of Daimler Truck AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. She is convinced of the concept and market potential of eActros: “Its specialized applications are a bold step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers in the transition to carbon-neutral transport.”
After Mercedes-Benz Trucks presented the concept vehicle for heavy-duty urban transport at the IAA in Hanover in 2016, in 2018 the practical tests of ten eActros prototypes began in collaboration with customers in Germany and other European countries. The goal of the eActros Innovation Fleet was to launch a finished product in 2021. “The development of eActros focuses on partnering with our customers. Everything we learned during the tests was taken into account in the series production. Compared to the prototypes, several characteristics such as mileage, drive power and safety have been significantly improved in the series production model, “explains Andreas von Walfeld, Head of Marketing, Sales and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
At the heart of the eActros is the powertrain with two integrated electric motors along with a two-speed transmission. Both bikes provide impressive comfort and dynamics of the car, while the quiet and emission-free electric drive means that the truck can also be used for night deliveries and entry into the interior of cities with bans on driving diesel vehicles. Depending on the equipment selected, the eActros draws power from three or four batteries – each with a capacity of about 105 kWh. Thanks to the maximum capacity of 420 kWh, mileage of up to 400 kilometers is realistic. The eActros can be charged at up to 160 kW on a fast 400A charging station, and the three batteries take a little over 1 hour to charge from 20 to 80%.
The electric truck has a high degree of digitization and connectivity. This also applies to the safety of the vehicle. In the latest generation of Actros with a conventional diesel engine, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has already introduced impressive safety systems and standards that support the company’s mission to drive without accidents. With eActros, the company not only closely monitors active safety, for example in the form of standard systems such as MirrorCam, Sideguard Assist S1R or fifth generation Active Brake Assist (ABA) with pedestrian recognition, but also on the challenges of electric vehicles and built-in them high voltage systems.
From the autumn of 2021 the serial model will be produced in the largest factory for assembly of trucks cars of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Wörth, Germany. Intensive process preparation has been carried out there in recent months, including the construction of a new production line. In the initial phase, the model for serial production The eActros will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. It will then be launched in other markets in Europe.
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