Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced the successful completion of rigorous testing for its all-electric eActros 600 semi-truck, which endured scorching heat conditions in southern Spain's Andalusia. The German automaker's commercial division, known for its Actros and Axor series semi-trucks, including electric and gas-powered variants, is highly regarded in the European market.
Resembling its gas-powered counterpart and the eActros 300 trailer, the eActros 600 boasts three battery packs with a combined capacity exceeding 600 kilowatt-hours. This substantial energy capacity allows the electric truck to achieve an impressive range of approximately 310 miles. However, this falls short of the Tesla Semi's claimed real-world range of 500 miles when fully loaded with 82,000 pounds of cargo.
During the latest pre-production trial, Mercedes-Benz engineers focused on testing battery thermal management, fast charging capabilities, and the functionality of the air conditioning system under high-temperature conditions.
The eActros 600's battery is composed of lithium-iron phosphate cells, known for their longevity and efficient energy utilization. Mercedes-Benz also claims that the truck can charge from 20 to 80 percent within just 30 minutes when using a one-megawatt charger. Propelling this formidable truck is an e-axle equipped with two motors, generating a peak output of 815 horsepower.
Following the demanding testing phase, the eActros 600 undertook a 1,200-mile (2,000-kilometer) journey from Spain to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks development and testing center in Worth am Rhein, Germany, solely relying on its electric power. The truck, previously referred to as the eActros LongHaul, is scheduled to make its global debut on October 10, 2023, and is set to enter production in 2024, targeting the European market.
See also: Mercedes-Benz Tests eActros Electric Trucks in Extreme Arctic Conditions
Dr. Konrad Götz, Deputy Head of Global Testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, commented, “We have subjected the eActros 600 to rigorous testing procedures since last year. After winter testing in Finland in freezing cold temperatures down to minus 25 degrees Celsius and initial tests on public roads, the electric truck now had to prove itself at over 40 degrees Celsius in Spain. The eActros 600 mastered the challenging tests with ease. In the next step, we're now looking forward to testing in real-life operations with our customers.”
