Prototype of 40-ton Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 travels 530 km without intermediate charging.

Development engineers from Mercedes-Benz Trucks have successfully completed a test run across the Alps with the battery-electric eActros 600 for long-distance haulage. The engineers drove the prototype, which had been loaded up to 40 tons, from Stuttgart - via the steep rise to the Swabian Jura mountain range at Aichelberg, Kufstein and the Brenner Highway – to Bolzano in South Tyrol.
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A fully loaded eActros 600 traveled more than 1,000 kilometers with only one stop for charging (Picture source: Daimler Trucks)

Despite the demanding topography, the e-truck managed the 530-kilometer trip completely without intermediate charging and arrived in Bolzano after a roughly seven-hour journey. After a single charge, the engineers started off on the home run - once again with no intermediate charging. This means the fully loaded eActros 600 traveled more than 1,000 kilometers with only one stop for charging. This test result was made possible by the combination of an efficient drive, high battery capacity and high-performance recuperation. The eActros 600 will celebrate its world premiere on October 10. Series production is due to start in 2024.

eActros 600

A new design of language for the driver's cab of the eActros 600 breaks with the familiar appearance of the Actros series, takes up design elements of the concept prototype presented at the IAA and moves them forward with clean-cut lines and an aerodynamic shape. The interior has also been updated.

Three battery packs supply the series version of the eActros 600 with a total installed capacity of more than 600 kW and two electric motors, as part of the new electric axle, generate a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of 600 kW. The high battery capacity is planned to make possible a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging.

In addition to the semitrailer tractor, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from the market launch. This offers customers numerous further application options in all-electric transport. The development engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks design the eActros 600 to meet the same requirements on the durability of the vehicle and components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-haul Actros. That means 1.2 million kilometers in ten years of operation.

Batteries with lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) are used in the eActros 600. These are characterized in particular by a long service life and a high level of usable energy. The series version of the eActros 600 is designed to facilitate both CCS charging at up to 400 kW and megawatt charging (MCS).

Defense News October 2023