German automaker Mercedes-Benz Trucks is taking steps to electrify the supply chain at its truck assembly plant in Wörth, located in the automotive hub of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The initiative, slated to be completed by the end of 2026, involves several logistics partners adopting over a dozen eActros 300 electric trucks for transportation to and from the Wörth plant. The company also plans to share its insights and experiences with other businesses through consulting services.
As the largest truck assembly facility for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, employing around 10,000 individuals, the Wörth plant produces various truck series, including Actros, Arocs, and Atego, along with special trucks like Econic, Unimog, and Zetros. The plant has been manufacturing the electric eActros 300/400 since 2021, and the eEconic variant since 2022. The recently unveiled eActros 600 electric heavy-duty truck is scheduled for series production at the Wörth plant by the end of 2024.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to integrate its electric trucks into the supply chain, with 17 logistics partners receiving 20 eActros 300 tractor units for inbound logistics at the Wörth plant. The first twelve units have already been delivered and are expected to complete approximately 50 transports daily within and around the Wörth plant starting from the first quarter of 2024.
To support the electrification efforts, the German government is contributing three million euros through the KsNI program, considering the investment encompasses not only vehicles but also the necessary charging infrastructure. Around 30 charging stations, including those with the new MCS megawatt charging standard, are planned for installation at key locations for delivery traffic in close proximity to production.
The eActros 300, designed for efficient charging during unloading, can be charged with up to 160 kW, taking just over an hour to charge the three installed batteries from 20 to 80 percent at a DC fast-charging station. The project aligns with Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ commitment to minimizing the CO2 footprint across the entire value chain.
As part of its broader initiative, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced the eActros 300 Lowliner version, initially for selected customers in plant logistics, catering to mega trailers and automotive logistics. The company plans to produce the eActros 300 Lowliner in small series from next year, available for order from January 2024.
In an effort to share its knowledge and expertise, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is launching a consulting program called ELA (“Electrified Logistics Accelerated”), aimed at assisting other industrial companies in electrifying plant logistics. The program seeks to contribute to sustainable logistics and facilitate a joint effort toward effective CO2 reduction. Daimler Truck North America has also announced a parallel project to electrify plant logistics in the USA, using four Freightliner eCascadia semitrailer tractors around its Portland plant.