Businesses trial Mercedes eActros electric truck

Ten businesses in Germany and Switzerland are trialling the first fully-electric heavy duty eActros trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The vehicles, which come in the 18 or 25 tonne weight class are being tested to demonstrate battery range and performance in urban environments. According to Mercedes, the vehicles offer up to 200km in range from a full charge.

Mercedes-Benz eActros

Businesses in the logistics, retail and commodities sectors are taking part in the trial, and include Dachser, Edeka, Hermes, Kraftverkehr Nagel, Ludwig Meyer, pfenning logistics, TBS Rhein-Neckar and Rigterink, Camion Transport and Migros.

The electric trucks will be replacing diesel vehicles during the twelve month test-run.

eActros’ drive system comprises two electric motors located close to the rear-axle wheel hubs. These generate a reported output of 125 kW each, with maximum torque of 485 Nm each. Charging can take between three to 11 hours based on the charging device.

Electric mobility

Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “We are now passing both two-and three-axle variants of our heavy-duty electric truck, the Mercedes-Benz eActros, into the hands of customers. Initially the focus will be on inner-city goods transport and delivery services — the ranges required here are well within the scope of our Mercedes-Benz eActros.

“We have developed a vehicle that has been configured from the outset for electric mobility. Compared with our prototype, quite a few technical changes have been made: the power supply is now ensured by eleven battery packs in all — and wherever possible we have used already proven components that are ready, or very close to ready, for use in series production.”

The truck can take between three and 11 hours to fully-charge

Martin Daum, the Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses, added: “We now want to work together with our customers to move swiftly forward with the development of our Mercedes-Benz eActros to the point where it becomes a viable proposition in tough everyday operations — both technically and commercially.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is also bringing the eCanter light duty truck to market through its FUSO brand, as well as a fully-electric bus, the ‘Citaro’ and the eSprinter van.

According to the manufacturer, the range of vehicles will help to bring about cleaner air and less noise, while being largely unaffected by access restrictions in major cities.

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