Mercedes-Benz Trucks tests eActros in hot Andalusia

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has successfully completed the summer testing of the battery-electric eActros 600 for long-distance transport. For about five weeks, test engineers evaluated the electric truck at high temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius in Andalusia, southern Spain. The range of tests included the functionality of the air conditioning in extreme heat, the performance of the electric drive train and battery thermal management, as well as measurements during charging at fast charging stations.

(Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Granada) After the tests, a prototype also successfully covered the over 2,000-kilometer route from Granada via Valencia, Barcelona, Montpellier, and Lyon back to the development and testing center of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Wörth am Rhein. On October 10, the eActros 600 will celebrate its world premiere. The vehicle is expected to be ready for series production in 2024.

Dr. Konrad Götz, Deputy Head of Global Testing Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “We have subjected the eActros 600 to rigorous testing procedures since last year. After winter testing in the spring in Finland at freezing temperatures of up to minus 25 degrees and initial tests on public roads, the electric truck had to prove itself at over 40 degrees in Spain. The eActros 600 has mastered the challenging tests with flying colors. Now we look forward to the next step of testing in real operations with our customers.”

A new design language

A new design language for the driver’s cabin of the eActros 600 breaks with the familiar look of the Actros series, incorporating design elements from the concept prototype presented at the IAA and further developing them with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape. The interior also receives updates.

Three battery packs provide the eActros 600 with a total installed capacity of over 600 kWh, and two electric motors as part of the new electric axle generate a continuous power output of 400 kW and a peak power of over 600 kW. The high battery capacity is intended to enable a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging. In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce chassis variants of the eActros 600 directly from market launch. This offers customers numerous additional applications in fully electric transport. The development engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks design the eActros 600 to meet the same durability requirements for the vehicle and components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-distance Actros. This means a mileage of 1.2 million kilometers over ten years of operation.

Offering a comprehensive transport solution

The eActros 600 uses batteries with lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP). These are characterized primarily by a long lifespan and more usable energy. The batteries of the eActros 600 are expected to charge from 20 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes at a charging station with about one megawatt of power. The core of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ concept for battery-electric long-distance transport is to provide customers with a comprehensive transport solution that includes vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services. The eActros 600 is thus intended to be the right choice for customers in terms of profitability, sustainability, and reliability.

Photo: © Mercedes-Benz Trucks