Mercedes-Benz Trucks launches the eActros 600, a game-changer in long-haul transport

Posted by Florin Muna on October 10th, 2023

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has revealed the series version of its first battery-electric truck for long-haul transport, the eActros 600, at a world premiere event in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is designed to set new standards in terms of technology, sustainability, design, and profitability for fleet operators.

The eActros 600: A Breakthrough in Electric Trucking

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is the result of years of research and development by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, which has been testing electric trucks in real-world conditions since 2018. The eActros 600 is based on the conventional Actros truck but with a completely new electric drive system and a redesigned cab.

The eActros 600 has a battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours (kWh), which gives it a range of 500 kilometers (310 miles) without intermediate charging. This means that the eActros 600 can travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) per day by charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks. The eActros 600 can charge up to 400 kW using the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard and will later also enable megawatt charging (MCS) when it becomes available and standardized.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has a gross combination weight of up to 44 tons and a payload of around 22 tons with a standard semitrailer. The eActros 600 is powered by two electric motors that deliver a total output of 400 kW and a maximum torque of 3,000 Newton meters. The electric motors are connected to a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The eActros 600 also features a new design language that reflects its electric identity. The cab has a puristic and aerodynamic shape, with clear lines and smooth surfaces. A black panel replaces the front grille with LED lights that create the signature three-pointed star. The side skirts and rear spoiler also improve the aerodynamics and reduce energy consumption.

The benefits of the eActros 600 for customers and the environment

The eActros 600 is intended to offer customers a holistic solution that includes vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services. Mercedes-Benz Trucks claims that the eActros 600 will be able to replace the majority of diesel trucks in the long-haul transport segment over the long term, as it will offer comparable performance, reliability, and total cost of ownership.

The eActros 600 will also positively impact the environment, as it will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80 percent compared to a diesel truck over its entire life cycle. The eActros 600 will also reduce noise pollution and improve air quality in urban areas.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to start selling the eActros 600 this year and to start series production at the end of 2024. The production plants in Wörth am Rhein (Germany) and Aksaray (Turkey) are preparing for the transition to electric truck manufacturing. The eActros 600 will be initially available in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Norway.

The competition in the electric truck market

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is not the only electric truck that aims to revolutionize the long-haul transport sector. Several other manufacturers, such as Tesla, Volvo, Scania, DAF, Hyundai, and Nikola, are developing or have already launched their own battery-electric or hydrogen-electric trucks.

Tesla is arguably the most prominent competitor in the electric truck market, as it announced its Semi truck back in 2017, promising a range of up to 800 kilometers (500 miles) and a production start in 2019. However, Tesla has faced several delays and challenges in bringing its Semi truck to market and has recently pushed back its production timeline to 2023.

Volvo Trucks has also unveiled its electric heavy-duty truck, the FH Electric, which has a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and can charge up to 350 kW using CCS. Volvo Trucks plans to start customer trials of the FH Electric in Europe this year and to start series production in 2022.

Scania has also launched its first series-produced electric truck, the Scania XT Electric, which has a range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) and can charge up to 130 kW using CCS. Scania claims that its XT Electric can save up to 90 percent of CO2 emissions compared to a diesel truck. Scania has already delivered some units of its XT Electric to customers in Sweden and Norway.

DAF Trucks has also introduced its electric truck concept, the CF Electric, which has a range of up to 220 kilometers (137 miles) and can charge up to 170 kW using CCS. DAF Trucks has been testing its CF Electric with selected customers in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium since 2018 and plans to start series production in 2022.

Hyundai has also entered the electric truck market with its Xcient Fuel Cell, which is powered by hydrogen and has a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles). Hyundai has already delivered some units of its Xcient Fuel Cell to customers in Switzerland and plans to expand to other European markets.

Nikola is another player in the electric truck market, which has been developing both battery-electric and hydrogen-electric trucks, such as the Nikola Tre and the Nikola Two. Nikola has partnered with Iveco and Bosch to produce its trucks in Europe and the US and has received orders from customers such as Anheuser-Busch and CNH Industrial. However, Nikola has also faced some controversies and setbacks, such as allegations of fraud and the departure of its founder and former CEO.

The future of electric trucking

The electric truck market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years as more customers demand cleaner and more efficient transport solutions. According to a report by BloombergNEF, electric trucks will account for 35 percent of global truck sales by 2040, up from less than one percent today.

However, some challenges and barriers need to be overcome for electric trucking to become mainstream. Some of these include the availability and affordability of charging infrastructure, the reliability and durability of batteries, the regulatory and policy frameworks, and customer acceptance and adoption.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks believes that the eActros 600 will be able to address these challenges and offer customers a compelling alternative to diesel trucks. The eActros 600 is a technological innovation and a symbol of Mercedes-Benz Trucks' commitment to sustainability and electrification.

As Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said at the world premiere event: "The eActros 600 stands for the transformation of road freight transport towards CO2 neutrality like no other truck with a three-pointed star. It is characterized by highly innovative drive technology that can offer our customers particularly high energy efficiency and, thus, profitability. This makes entry into e-mobility even more attractive for fleet operators." @via EV Stories.