World Premiere of the Mercedes-Benz eActros on June 30

On June 30, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will celebrate the world premiere of its battery-electric eActros for heavy distribution transport. With the first electric series truck bearing the star, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is ushering in a new era and emphasizing its clear commitment to locally CO2-neutral road freight transport. The digital world premiere will be streamed online.

(Stuttgart) The start of series production of the eActros is scheduled for the second half of the year at the plant in Wörth am Rhein. The developers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have placed a special focus on the aspect of “Customer Co-Creation” – the close collaboration with truck customers during product development. Prototypes of the eActros have already undergone intensive customer testing since 2018. This allowed the Mercedes-Benz Trucks experts to consider customer feedback on the electric truck early on and directly incorporate it into the development process. To date, the prototypes have already covered over half a million kilometers on public roads. Furthermore, the test engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have subjected the eActros to intensive testing to ensure the usual high Mercedes-Benz standards.

Andreas von Wallfeld: “In 2016, we first presented our concept for a heavy electric truck. Just two years later, we entered rigorous testing with our fully developed prototypes with renowned customers. The eActros that we will present now is the end product of all our experiences gained on the road and in testing, reflecting the innovative strength of our Mercedes-Benz brand in terms of alternative drives. At the same time, the vehicle is also the result of close and intensive collaboration with our customers. Thanks to the intensive practical tests, we are bringing a vehicle fully tailored to customer needs to market, along with extensive service offerings. We are all looking forward to the world premiere on June 30.”

Over Two Years in Practical Use with Customers

Ten eActros prototypes have proven themselves as an “innovation fleet” since 2018 in continuous operation with various customers in Germany and other European countries. Nearly 20 test customers used the eActros in two testing phases instead of a conventional truck in their fleets. The eActros handled demanding tasks in various industries as an 18- or 25-ton vehicle. For example, it transported temperature-sensitive food for supermarket branches using an electrically powered refrigerated box, delivered components for production in factory traffic, took over the exchange service for waste containers, and transported fly ash in a silo setup for concrete production. Outside Germany, customers in Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands also tested the battery-electric truck.

eActros Drivers are Convinced of the Electric Truck

Before the conclusion of the prototype’s continuous operation, it is clear: the eActros matches a conventional diesel truck in terms of availability and performance in urban traffic, highway, or long-distance driving. Drivers are very pleased with the consistent availability of torque across the entire speed range. They also report particularly on the quiet driving experience and a pleasant, calm driving feel. Additionally, with anticipatory driving, electric energy can be recovered through recuperation.

The series eActros will be significantly superior to the previous prototype of the innovation fleet in several key characteristics – such as range, drive performance, and safety equipment. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will embed the vehicle into a comprehensive ecosystem that also includes consulting services for customers around e-mobility.

Intensive Testing Before Series Production Begins

Prior to series production, the developers of the eActros – as with conventional trucks – conducted tests to ensure safety, performance, and durability. The cooling system for the cargo as well as the air conditioning – both electrically powered – have functioned reliably in extreme heat as well as in winter conditions. During winter testing, the test engineers thoroughly examined the eActros. Special attention was paid to the behavior of the batteries and the electric drive train under adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the eActros was subjected to further testing concepts such as noise measurement on the exterior noise test bench and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in a specially designated test hall. The results demonstrate: the eActros is practical and meets the requirements set for operational use.

Electrification of the Portfolio with Battery and Fuel Cell

Daimler Truck AG pursues a sustainable corporate strategy and aims to offer only new vehicles that are CO2-neutral in operation (“tank-to-wheel”) in Europe, Japan, and North America by 2039. By 2022, the vehicle portfolio of Daimler Truck AG is expected to include series vehicles with battery-electric drive in the main sales regions of Europe, the USA, and Japan. From 2027, the company plans to additionally expand its vehicle offerings to include series vehicles with hydrogen-based fuel cell drive. A CO2-neutral transport on the roads by 2050 is the ultimate goal.

Photo: © Mercedes-Benz Truck