Mercedes-Benz Trucks Unveils eActros 600: A Game-Changer Truck with a 500km Range

The eActros 600 truck will support megawatt charging (MCS) in addition to CCS charging with up to 400 kW.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced the series version of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, the first battery-electric long-haul truck. The manufacturer intends to set a new benchmark in road freight transit with its heavy-duty electric truck, in terms of technology, sustainability, design, and profitability for truck operators.

The electric eActros 600 truck has a huge battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours and an in-house developed new, efficient electric drive axle enables it to attain a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charge. As a result, the eActros 600 will be able to go far more than 1,000 kilometers every day.

Continuous expansion of public charging infrastructure is essential for all other purposes in order to make the electric truck feasible for long-distance haulage across Europe. The eActros 600 will subsequently support megawatt charging (MCS) in addition to CCS charging with up to 400 kW. A suitable charging station with an output of roughly one megawatt can charge the batteries from 20 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

Specifications of eActros 600

The vehicle is technically capable of carrying a gross combined weight of up to 44 tons. The eActros 600 has a payload of roughly 22 tons with a conventional semitrailer.

The eActros 600 contains three 207 kWh battery packs. These have a total installed capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries have a long service life and are based on lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP).

Furthermore, unlike other battery cell technologies, LFP technology may use up to 95 per cent of the installed capacity. This allows for a greater range while using the same installed battery capacity.

In terms of profitability for fleet operators, the electric vehicle is expected to set new benchmarks, eventually replacing the majority of diesel trucks in the critical long-haul transport market.

The series production of electric trucks will begin at the end of 2024. Mercedes-Benz Trucks will construct rigid variants of the eActros 600 alongside the tractor unit from the market launch, providing customers with additional options for all-electric transport.

With the present European energy mix, the eActros 600 saves roughly 40% of CO2 compared to diesel Actros and more than 80% renewable energies during the entire product lifecycle of 10 years from raw material extraction. This equates to around 370 or 775 tons of CO2 reductions.

Also Read: FADA Encourages OEMs to provide additional benefits to dealers

Features of eActros 600

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has designed a new 800-volt electric axle with two electric motors and a four-speed transmission for heavy-duty long-haul hauling. The electric motors provide rapid acceleration, good driving comfort, and high driving dynamics with a constant output of 400 kW and a peak output of 600 kW.

The eActros 600 comes with Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise and transmission control, which has been precisely optimized for the electric drive system. The anticipatory drivetrain control automatically provides information about topography, road course, and traffic signs.

The navigation system will provide the route information. This lets the driver prevent excessive braking, acceleration, and shifting while also maximizing battery energy utilization.

The driver is constantly informed on the charge level of the batteries, the remaining range, as well as the current and average energy usage, thanks to the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2. The Fleetboard Portal allows fleet managers to employ digital solutions for efficient fleet management.

These will include an individually developed charge management system, such as smart control of all processes between the eActros 600 and the charging infrastructure, as well as a logbook with detailed information on driving, standing, and charging times, as well as consumption data, right from the start.

The eActros 600 also has a mapping tool that indicates where a vehicle is in real-time, whether it is driving, stationary, or charging, and how full the battery is.