Summary
- Mercedes-Benz successfully completed a 15,000-kilometer European tour with its eActros 600 electric trucks
- The tour covered 22 countries and involved charging at public points along the route
- Insights and results from the tour will be shared at the IAA Transportation event in September
- The eActros 600 has a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging
- The goal is to make the electric truck viable for long-distance haulage by continually expanding public charging infrastructure
Article
Mercedes-Benz Trucks recently completed a successful 45-day all-electric European Tour with two near-series prototypes of the eActros 600, covering over 15,000 kilometers across 22 countries. The trucks achieved a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging, showcasing the feasibility of battery-electric long-distance haulage. The tour was accompanied by 30 journalists from 20 European countries, providing valuable insights and experiences for the manufacturer. The specific findings and results from the testing tour will be shared at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover in September.
The tour started from Frankfurt and traveled through various European countries, reaching the North Cape in Norway and the southernmost point in Continental Europe in Tarifa, Spain. The trucks faced different terrains and climate zones to gather extensive experience on energy consumption. The high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt-hours and an efficient electric drive axle allowed the eActros 600 to cover long distances without needing to stop for charging. Mercedes-Benz Trucks aimed to gain insights on various routes to share with interested customers for future developments.
The eActros 600 is designed to meet the needs of long-distance trucking, with a focus on replacing diesel trucks in the important long-haul transport segment. The electric truck offers a new puristic design with clear lines and aerodynamic shape, setting new standards for profitability for fleet operators. The core concept of the eActros 600 includes a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services to ensure optimal performance and efficiency for customers. As the public charging infrastructure continues to develop, the electric truck aims to become a viable option for long-distance haulage across Europe.
For journeys shorter than 500 kilometers, the charging infrastructure at depots and loading points can support the eActros 600. However, for longer trips, continual expansion of public charging infrastructure is essential to make the electric truck viable for all types of long-distance haulage. The manufacturer plans to offer megawatt charging (MCS) in addition to CCS charging, allowing for quick charging times of around 30 minutes from 20 to 80 percent battery capacity. The eActros 600 represents a shift towards sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce emissions and promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial trucking industry.
Overall, the successful completion of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 European Tour signifies a significant step towards the future of electric long-distance haulage. The insights and experiences gathered during the tour will help shape the development of electric trucks and charging infrastructure to make sustainable transport a reality. As the industry continues to innovate and evolve, the eActros 600 stands as a testament to the potential of electric vehicles in the commercial trucking sector, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel trucks.
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