Mercedes-Benz tests eEconic electric trucks in Finland

The winter test also included several tests on driving and braking capabilities on different types of surfaces, as well as the effects of slush, for example, on the performance of driver assistance system sensors.

According to Daimler Truck, serial manufacturing of the e-truck meant for municipal usage will begin in the second half of this year, as part of a strategy that saw the manufacture of the eActros in the autumn of last year.

As a result, the eEconic is the second stage in a transition that is planned to enhance the share of electric vehicles offered in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio as well as trucks. Furthermore, eEconic benefits from Daimler Truck's worldwide platform strategy, as the low-floor truck is built on the eActros platform.

Transportation businesses placed the same demands on battery-electric trucks as they do on conventional diesel engines. Even in adverse weather conditions such as cold, ice, and snow, the vehicles must perform consistently.

The Mercedes-Benz Truck winter testing at Rovaniemi, Finland, this year proved to be a crucial endurance test. These include prototypes of the battery-electric eActros LongHaul, with series ready scheduled for 2024, as well as the battery-electric eActros 300 as a tractor unit and the conventionally powered Actros L with the diesel engine.

The development and test team examined the different models in difficult climatic circumstances, such as on snowy and icy streets, harsh winds, and temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, in order to extract feasible steps for further optimization.

Experts devoted close attention to the battery qualities and the electric drivetrain on-site in bad weather circumstances for the eActros LongHaul and eActros 300 Tractor.

Elements such as starting properties and drive component protection from low temperatures, as well as software and interfaces, were examined for this purpose. Furthermore, thermal and energy management systems were rigorously tested. Both ensure that the drivetrain and the driver's cab are correctly and efficiently temperature-controlled, even at low temperatures.

Because of its compact heating circuit with high output, the eActros LongHaul heats the cab faster than a diesel truck. Nevertheless, because the energy for this is drawn from the vehicle's batteries, reducing range, so-called pre-conditioning of the electric truck at a charging station is recommended. Even at extremely low temperatures, the eActros LongHaul loses less range after pre-conditioning.

The winter test also included several tests on driving and braking capabilities on different types of surfaces, as well as the effects of slush, for example, on the performance of driver assistance system sensors. The Trailer Stability Assistance was also tested to see how it can lessen the risk of tractor-trailers slipping during turning or evasive maneuvers on winter highways, as well as how the MirrorCam handles varying contrast conditions on ice and snow.

The eActros 300 model version as a tractor unit, which was unveiled for the first time at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hanover, can tow all standard European semitrailers while keeping the maximum allowable overall vehicle combination length.

The eActros 300/400 electric truck uses the same technology as the eActros 300/400. Three battery packs with 112 kWh of installed battery capacity each allow for a range of up to 220 kilometers on a single charge. The series will begin production in the second half of 2023.

The eActros LongHaul is expected to be ready for series manufacturing for long-distance transport in 2024. Last year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks exhibited an electric truck concept prototype at the IAA Transportation in Hanover. The eActros LongHaul in series production has a range of roughly 500km on a single battery charge and will support high-performance charging.

During testing, developers also evaluated the eEconic's feasibility with a near-production-level test vehicle and simulated waste collection routes. Vehicles must perform dependably even in inclement weather and do their jobs, especially in municipal use. Tests in Finland revealed that the e-truck fits these criteria, with low noise and a low carbon footprint. The eEconic is now ready for the next stage: client testing.