Mercedes Benz Trucks unveiled eActros 600
The eActros 600 has a 600 kWh battery, providing a 500 km range without recharging. It can travel over 1,000 km a day with charging during driver breaks.
Leinfelden, Germany– Mercedes-Benz Trucks., has unveiled the series version of the first battery-electric long-haul truck with the three-pointed star. The manufacturer presented the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 as a world premiere to an international audience at an event south of Hamburg. With this heavy-duty electric truck, the manufacturer plans to define the new standard in road freight transport in terms of technology, sustainability, design and profitability for e-fleet operators.
The eActros 600 has a 600 kWh battery, providing a 500 km range without recharging. It can travel over 1,000 km a day with charging during driver breaks. Most European Mercedes-Benz Trucks journeys are under 500 km. Public charging infrastructure expansion is essential for longer trips. It supports CCS charging up to 400 kW and will later offer megawatt charging. Batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes at a one-megawatt station.
The eActros 600 has a 600 kWh battery, providing a 500 km range without charging. It can travel over 1,000 km daily with charging during driver breaks. Most European Mercedes-Benz Trucks trips are under 500 km, so depot and point charging works. Public charging expansion is crucial for long-distance hauls. It supports up to 400 kW CCS charging and will later offer megawatt charging (MCS). Pre-installation available, retrofittable when MCS standardizes. Batteries charge 20-80% in 30 minutes at a one-megawatt station.
Sales of the eActros 600 begin this year. Series production starts at the end of 2024. Besides the tractor unit, rigid eActros 600 variants will be available from the start. Around fifty prototype vehicles are being built, some for testing with initial customers.
Mr. Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said that, The eActros 600, with its three-pointed star, represents, unlike any other vehicle, the change of road freight transport towards CO2-neutrality. It is distinguished by extremely cutting-edge drive technology that may provide our customers with a particularly high level of energy efficiency and, consequently, profitability. This increases the appeal of fleet operators embracing e-mobility.
The time it takes for fleet operators using the eActros 600 for long-distance hauling to reach cost parity with diesel trucks varies by country, influenced by electricity and diesel prices, as well as toll systems. In countries like France and Germany with favorable CO2-based tolls and low electricity costs, the eActros 600 can become more profitable than diesel trucks after about five years or 600,000 kilometers, despite its higher purchase price. Government support for e-trucks and charging infrastructure is crucial for market growth.
