Mercedes-Benz Trucks has unveiled the new eActros, its first series-production all-electric commercial vehicle, which the company claims is ideal for heavy-duty distribution transport.
In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Trucks began practical testing of ten eActros prototypes in collaboration with customers in Germany and other European countries, following the presentation of a concept vehicle for a heavy-duty distribution haulage truck for urban areas at the IAA 2016 for Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. The “eActros Innovation Fleet’s” goal was to bring a series-ready eActros to market in 2021.
The driving unit with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission lies at the technological heart of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. Both motors are reported to give exceptional pulling power and vehicle dynamics, while the truck’s quiet and emission-free electric drive allows it to make deliveries at night and enter cities where diesel vehicles are prohibited.
The Actros is powered by three or four battery packs, each with a capacity of roughly 105kWh, depending on the type. According to Merc’s testing, a range of up to 400km is possible thanks to a maximum capacity of 420kWh.
The eActros can be charged at up to 160kW: the three battery packs take a little more than an hour to charge from 20% to 80% when linked to a standard 400A DC charging station, according to the company.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has integrated the eActros into a comprehensive system that includes consultancy and service products for clients and, as a result, the greatest possible vehicle utilization, total cost optimization, and the development of charging infrastructure. The electric truck also has a high level of digitalization and connection.
This also applies to car safety. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has already demonstrated an amazing level of safety on today’s roads with the current version of the Actros with a conventional diesel drive unit, as well as what the company is working to achieve its vision of accident-free driving.
The series-production model will begin rolling out of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ largest truck assembly factory in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, later this year. Intensive preparations have been conducted at the plant in recent months for the new manufacturing procedures. Further markets will follow, such as South Africa.
South Africans are waiting in great anticipation for Mercedes-Benz to officially usher in this truck off the future to the South African market.
