Mercedes-Benz Trucks has embarked on an extensive road endurance and reliability testing campaign for its eActros 300 Tractor, a battery-electric heavy-duty truck designed for distribution haulage. The vehicle covered approximately 3,000 kilometers from the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant in Germany to Aksaray, Turkey, where the testing is set to take place. The journey involved traversing several countries, including Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, with two eActros vehicles accompanying the eActros 300 Tractor throughout the entire route.
The purpose of this road endurance trial is to evaluate the performance, durability, and safety systems of the electric truck before it enters series production later this year. The test engineers paid close attention to crucial aspects such as the functionality of the electric drive, including range forecasting and recuperation, as well as the seamless connectivity with charging stations abroad. The challenging topography and varying climatic conditions encountered during the journey provided ideal conditions for real-world testing.
Dr. Christof Weber, Head of Global Testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the eActros 300 Tractor, stating, “Our conclusion: The e-truck has mastered the varied route through Central and Southeastern Europe with ease and is ready for series production.” The successful completion of this endurance trial demonstrates the truck’s capability to handle demanding operational conditions.
The eActros 300 Tractor is designed to be compatible with common European semitrailers while complying with the maximum permissible total tractor-trailer combination length. It shares its technology with the eActros 300/400 and is equipped with three battery packs, each offering an installed capacity of 112 kWh. These battery packs enable the truck to achieve a range of up to 220 km on a single charge. Charging can be done at publicly available charging stations, with a charging capacity of up to 160 kW. The eActros 300 Tractor’s battery packs require a little over an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent at a standard DC fast charging station with a charging current of 400 A.
This isn’t the first challenging test for the eActros 300 Tractor, as it previously conquered the Arlberg Pass in Austria last year, demonstrating its capability to handle steep terrain and high altitudes. The eActros series is set to enter series production in the fall of this year, marking a significant step toward sustainable and eco-friendly heavy-duty transportation.
The eActros 300/400 range includes two additional models, the eActros 300 (4×2) and the eActros 300 (6×2). These models are also part of Mercedes-Benz’s electric truck lineup and offer varying specifications and capabilities. The eActros 400, equipped with four battery packs and an installed capacity of 112 kWh, boasts an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers. The drive unit of the eActros series is a standout feature, featuring an electric rigid axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. These liquid-cooled motors deliver a continuous output of 330 kW and a peak performance of 400 kW. Moreover, the eActros trucks incorporate regenerative braking technology, enabling energy recovery during deceleration and subsequent recharging of the batteries, contributing to increased energy efficiency.
With the successful completion of the road endurance trial, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is one step closer to the series production of the eActros 300 Tractor. This landmark electric truck represents a significant milestone in the transition towards sustainable and emission-free transportation, offering a promising solution for heavy-duty distribution haulage.
