Meet the striking new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric truck
This is the new Mercedes eActros 600, a 600kW, 44-tonne electric truck which the German brand hopes will “define a new standard in freight transport”.
Set to arrive by the end of 2024, the new electric truck will rival new machines from Scania and Renault, with 50 prototype machines currently in production.
The new e-truck’s most notable feature is the gargantuan 600kWh battery, which is formed using three 207kWh battery packs for a combined total of 621kWh.
Mercedes opted for the use of lithium-ion phosphate battery cells to ensure a longer service life, stating that the technology used in the new e-truck offered the same level of durability as a conventional truck, with the new eActros capable of 1.2m km in 10 years of operation.
After this period of use, Mercedes claims that the battery health will still be over 80%.
The huge battery gives the eActros 600 a range of up to 500km (310 miles), although it has not disclosed the range when the truck is fully laden.
Mercedes claims that with intermediate charging during prescribed driver breaks, the eActros should be able to cover more than 1000km (600 miles) per day.
The eActros can be charged at up to 400kW, but Mercedes says it will retrofit its models with megawatt charging capabilities, which should allow for a 20-80% charge in around 30 minutes using a one megawatt charger.
Mercedes claims that long-distance journeys covered by Mercedes truck customers in Europe are typically shorter than 500km, which means chargins at loading and depot points would be sufficient for fleets.
Styling-wise, the eActros is substantially different to its ICE-powered sibling – from a distance it almost mimics a Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars.
Aerodynamics play a key role in the cab design of the eActros, with the front-end featuring completely closed-off grille and an optimised bumper with underbody panelling.
Air deflectors on the A-pillars and a roof spoiler also aid aerodynamic efficiency. Extending the front cabin by 80mm also helped to create the aerodynamic shape of the cabin.
The eActros features a new 800-volt electric axle and dual-motor setup, with a four-speed transmission specifically for heavy-duty long-haul transport. Power output peaks at 600kW (805bhp).
Regenerative braking allows for wasted electric energy to be recovered and fed back into the battery, while the recuperation itself puts less strain on the physical brakes.
You can even adjust the level of regeneration, with five options available – and if you don’t want to have to brake yourself you can use the one-pedal driving function.
Mercedes has also implemented its Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise and transmission control, which automatically tunes the drive system depending on the topography, course of the road, traffic signs and style of driving.
This allows for more efficiency driving and removes unnecessary braking and accelerating which typically deplete the battery level.
Mercedes also claims that over the new e-truck’s life cycle, it will emit more than 80% less CO2 than a conventional diesel long-haul truck.
The German marque has also equipped its latest truck with a futuristic external sound system to alert pedestrians and cyclists of its presence. Mercedes says the sound spectrum of the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is “designed to take into account the appearance of a heavy vehicle”.
The new eActros 600 will go on sale by the end of 2023 and enter production by the end of 2024.
