Mercedes-Benz one step closer to launching series production of its electric trucks
A new era has started for Mercedes-Benz with heralding a world premiere of the company’s electric truck branded as eActros. The vehicles are able to deliver freight at a range of up to 400 kilometres. Their series production will start in autumn in Wörth am Rhein.
It was 2016 when Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveiled the eActros concept vehicle for a heavy-duty distribution battery-powered haulage truck for urban areas at the IAA 2016 for Commercial Vehicles trade fair in Hanover. Five years ago, on 30 June 2021, the German manufacturer has celebrated the world premiere of its battery-electric eActros for heavy-duty distribution haulage. Between these dates, there was a three-year test period that began in 2018. During the mentioned timeframe, the electric vehicle covered more than half a million kilometres on public roads.
Series production
The series production of the electric trucks will start this autumn at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ largest truck assembly plant in Wörth am Rhein. In recent months, intensive preparations have been made for the new production processes there. This includes the construction of a new assembly line. In an initial phase the series-production model of the eActros will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Further markets will follow.
Technical features
Each eActros electric truck is equipped with a drive unit with two integrated electric motors along with a two-speed transmission. Both motors provide for impressive ride comfort and great vehicle dynamics, while the quiet and emission-free electric drive means the truck can also be used for night deliveries and entry into inner cities with driving bans for diesel vehicles.
The eActros trucks will have three or four battery packs – each with a capacity of around 105 kilowatt-hours. Due to a maximum capacity of 420 kilowatt-hours, the vehicle is able to run a range of up to 400 kilometres. The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kilowatts: when connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need a little longer than 1 hour to charge from 20 to 80 per cent.