Mercedes-Benz Trucks is preparing for an extensive test run with its new electric flagship, the eActros 600. The company intends to send two near-series prototypes of the battery-electric long-haul truck on a journey across more than 20 European countries, covering more than 13,000 kilometers each with a total towing weight of 40 tons. The goal of this venture is to gain comprehensive experience on a variety of routes in different terrains and climates, focusing on energy consumption. The manufacturer plans to share these findings with interested customers.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to demonstrate that the eActros 600 is capable of purely battery-electric, transnational long-distance haulage in Europe. The intention is to charge the batteries exclusively at public charging stations, highlighting the importance of a seamless public truck charging infrastructure for the further market ramp-up for e-trucks.
The eActros 600 features a high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house, allowing it to achieve a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging.
Dr. Christof Weber, Head of Global Testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed confidence in the eActros 600’s capabilities, stating, “The vehicle has long proven what it can do. With series development, we are now on the finishing straight. The tour enables us to send out a clear message a few months prior to the launch of series production.”
Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, noted the strong customer interest in the eActros 600, with over 1,000 firm orders and a four-digit figure of letters of intent since the start of sales. Fagerman emphasized the importance of expanding expertise in consumption and deployment options to provide customers with better consulting services.
The “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” is scheduled to start in Frankfurt/Main on June 11 and is planned to be accompanied by communication activities. Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to inform decision-makers in politics and the energy sector as well as the general public about the possibilities provided by battery-electric drives in the long-haul segment, in an effort to further boost the momentum in building up the necessary infrastructure.
