Mercedes-Benz eActros Drives for Paulaner in Munich and Surroundings

Paulaner Getränke und Service GmbH (Paulaner GSG) uses the Mercedes-Benz eActros in distribution logistics for the transport of beverages, promotional materials, and event inventory in the greater Munich area. The eActros covers distances between 100 and 200 kilometers per day. Paulaner is the final test customer of the ‘eActros Innovation Fleet’, which has been in operation since 2018.

(Stuttgart/Munich) A battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros prototype is now operating for Paulaner Getränke und Service GmbH (Paulaner GSG). The logistics division responsible for distributing their products at the traditional brewery Paulaner is testing the eActros for the transport of palletized barrels and crates. The eActros supplies the gastronomy sector and selected beverage markets in the greater Munich area with beers, non-alcoholic drinks, as well as event inventory and promotional materials such as glasses and mugs. The electric truck starts its daily route from the logistics location of Paulaner GSG in Gräfelfing, on the western outskirts of Munich, and covers between 100 and 200 kilometers per day. The batteries of the eActros are charged overnight at the Paulaner brewery’s premises after the daily tours.

Since 2020, the eActros has been in the second phase of its practical testing, which began in 2018 under the title ‘Innovation Fleet’. Paulaner completes the test series of the electric truck for heavy distribution traffic. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to start series production of the eActros at the plant in Wörth am Rhein in the second half of 2021.

Deliveries Despite Closed Gastronomy

Rico Claassen, Key Account Management at Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “Our eActros prototypes have been proving themselves in continuous operation with various customers in Germany and other European countries since 2018. We are very pleased that the eActros is now also operating for Paulaner. The testing in the greater Munich area now completes the customer deployments of our eActros ‘Innovation Fleet’.”

Jörg Metzner, Managing Director, Paulaner Getränke und Service GmbH: “With six branches in the Upper Bavaria region, we offer a range of around 550 beverage items and more than 350 other gastronomy items, delivering to our customers even into their beverage cellars. Despite the currently closed gastronomy, we continue to supply our customers as needed. In this context, the aspect of environmentally sustainable logistics is becoming increasingly important for us. The locally CO2-neutral eActros, as shown in the testing phase, fits ideally into our application case – heavy distribution traffic in urban areas.”

Numerous Insights Gained from the ‘Innovation Fleet’

Among the numerous insights gained from the ‘Innovation Fleet’ is that the approximately 200 kilometers range of the eActros prototype has proven to be absolutely realistic – regardless of payload, route, or topography. The eActros matches a conventional diesel truck in terms of availability and performance in urban traffic, highway, or rural driving. The cooling system for the cargo, as well as the air conditioning – both electrically operated – have functioned without limitations in extreme heat as well as in winter conditions. Drivers are very pleased with the continuous 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 eActros: Locally CO2-Neutral Alternative for Urban Distribution Traffic

The eActros prototype is based on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz Actros. Furthermore, the vehicle’s architecture is completely oriented towards electric drive and features a high proportion of specific parts. Two electric motors near the wheel hubs of the rear axle provide the drive with a power output of 126 kW each and a maximum torque of 485 Nm each. This results in a total of 11,000 Nm after the gearing. A performance that is comparable to that of a conventional truck. Lithium-ion batteries with 240 kWh supply the energy for the eActros.

The development and testing of heavy electric trucks in distribution traffic is partially funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of the ‘Concept ELV²’ project.

The eActros in Series: Outstanding Performance

The series eActros will be significantly superior to the previous prototype in several aspects – such as range, drive performance, and safety. The eActros will be available as a two- and three-axle vehicle. In addition, Daimler Trucks will embed the vehicle into a comprehensive ecosystem that also includes consulting services related to e-mobility. This includes route analyses, checking possible subsidies, support for operational fleet integration, and developing suitable charging infrastructure solutions.

Photo: © Mercedes Benz Truck