Over 15,000 Kilometers Covered: Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Completes All-Electric Testing Venture

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All-electric Journey of Mercedes-Benz eActros 600: Successfully Completed Testing Tour Across Europe After More than 15,000 Kilometers Traveled

Mercedes-Benz Trucks triumphantly concluded the European Tour of its eActros 600. Following a 45-day electric development trip spanning 22 countries, the two nearly production-ready models of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 returned to Wörth am Rhein, adding over 15,000 kilometers to their odometers. These two electric trucks covered precisely 15,269 and 15,939 kilometers, respectively, with a gross combination mass of 40 tons. Throughout the entire route, the developers exclusively charged the long-haul trucks at public charging stations.

Christof Weber, the Head of Global Testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed, “The two test vehicles excelled throughout the tour. We reflect on nearly seven weeks of thrilling experiences and interactions that provided us with valuable insights. Such an extensive journey necessitates thorough preparation and planning, especially concerning charging at public infrastructure. Despite varying experiences with charging stops, it became evident that long-distance transportation with battery-electric vehicles is achievable. The eActros 600’s 500-kilometer range without the need for intermediate charging was consistently reliable for planning purposes.”

The tour was joined by around 30 journalists from 20 European nations, many of whom had the opportunity to drive the trucks. Weber added, “Special thanks to the colleagues who organized and supported this journey, ensuring the safe return of our trucks to Wörth. This acknowledgment extends to the numerous media representatives who were core members of our test team throughout the duration of the tour.”

Detailed insights and findings from the “Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” will be shared at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover in September.

Noteworthy Highlights of the Tour: From the Northernmost to the Southernmost Points in Europe

Commencing from Frankfurt am Main on June 11, the journey headed north through Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, reaching a significant milestone in time for Midsummer: the North Cape in Norway, the northernmost accessible point in Europe by road. The convoy then proceeded south through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, France, and Spain. Following a stop in Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost location in Continental Europe and another key highlight, the route reversed course northward, returning to Germany via Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Collecting Varied Experiences on Diverse Routes while Monitoring Energy Consumption

Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” to acquire extensive knowledge on diverse routes spanning varied terrains and climates, with a focus on monitoring energy usage. The manufacturer intends to share these learnings with interested stakeholders.

Equipped with a high battery capacity exceeding 600 kilowatt hours[1] and an efficient in-house electric drive axle, the eActros 600 can achieve a range of 500 kilometers[2] without the need for intermediate charging.

About the eActros 600

Approximately 60% of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ long-haul journeys in Europe are under 500 kilometers, making existing charging infrastructure adequate at depots and loading sites in these cases. To support other requirements, continual expansion of public charging infrastructure is imperative to ensure the viability of electric trucks for long-haul transportation across Europe. In addition to CCS charging capabilities of up to 400 kW, the eActros 600 will eventually facilitate megawatt charging (MCS). Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks developers successfully charged a prototype of the eActros 600 at a one-megawatt output charging station at the in-house development and testing facility in Wörth am Rhein. Customers have the option to preinstall for MCS. Once MCS technology is standardized and available across manufacturers, retrofitting will be possible for early eActros 600 models. Battery charging from 20 to 80 percent[3] can be completed in approximately 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with around one-megawatt output.

The design of the long-haul electric truck boasts a fresh, minimalist approach with sleek lines and aerodynamic features. In terms of profitability for fleet operators, the electric truck aims to establish new benchmarks, eventually replacing most diesel trucks in the vital long-haul transport sector in the long run. Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ strategy for battery-electric long-distance transportation revolves around offering customers a comprehensive solution comprising vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services.

[1] The eActros 600 houses three battery packs, each with a capacity of 207 kWh, totaling 621 kWh of installed capacity. The nominal capacity of the new battery, based on internally defined conditions, may fluctuate depending on usage scenarios and environmental factors.

[2] Range determination was carried out internally under specific test conditions, preconditioned with a 4×2 tractor unit at 20°C ambient temperature during long-haul operations and may deviate from values obtained following Regulation (EU) 2017/2400.

[3] Based on internal simulations, as a standardized and binding Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is presently under development.

Source: Daimler Truck