Mercedes-Benz Trucks is set to launch the series version of its battery-electric truck, the eActros LongHaul, under the name eActros 600 on October 10, 2023.
The eActros 600, with its new design, aims to be the most cost-effective long-haul truck from Mercedes-Benz Trucks compared to the conventional diesel Actros – with a range of 500 kilometres.
The eActros 600 derives its name from the battery capacity in kilowatt-hours and features a high battery capacity, along with an efficient electric drive axle developed in-house, enabling a range of approximately 500 kilometres without the need for intermediate charging. Mercedes-Benz Trucks expects the truck to replace the majority of diesel trucks in the important long-haul segment and set new standards in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Production of prototypes for customer test fleets is already underway, and series readiness is planned for 2024. The eActros 600 will be manufactured at Mercedes-Benz plants in Wörth, Mannheim, Gaggenau, and Kassel, which are currently preparing for series production.
Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed confidence in the eActros 600, stating, “It sets new standards in terms of cost-effectiveness for our customers…I am convinced that this truck will define the new benchmark in road freight transport.”
Yaris Pürsün, Head of Global Power Systems Operation at Daimler Truck, emphasized the shift towards e-mobility, saying, “We…are already in the midst of preparing for series production of the new generation of our power units.”
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth will produce the eActros 600, with the electric drive components being installed on the existing assembly line alongside diesel trucks. Key components for the eActros 600 will be supplied by Mercedes-Benz plants in Mannheim, Gaggenau, and Kassel, which are transitioning to become competence centres for electric drive components.
Employees at the production sites are receiving training and further education to prepare for the production of trucks with new drive systems. Over 2,700 employees at the Wörth plant have been trained to handle high-voltage vehicles and components.
The eActros 600 features a new design language, incorporating design elements from the concept prototype presented at the IAA. It is equipped with three battery packs providing a total capacity of over 600 kWh and two electric motors generating a continuous output of 400 kW, with a peak output of over 600 kW.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to ensure that the eActros 600 meets the same durability requirements as a comparable conventional heavy long-distance Actros, with a lifespan of 1.2 million kilometres over ten years.
The batteries used in the eActros 600 utilize lithium-iron phosphate cell technology, known for its long service life and higher usable energy. Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends for the batteries to be capable of being charged from 20 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt.
In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 at market launch, providing customers with a range of options for fully electric transport. The company aims to offer a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services, ensuring the eActros 600 delivers profitability, sustainability, and reliability to customers.
(Trans.info)
