Introducing The Eye Catching New Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Electric Truck
Introducing The Eye Catching New Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Electric Truck
January 26, 2024 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
The German automaker expects that the new Mercedes eActros 600, a 600kW, 44-ton electric truck, will “define a new standard in freight transport.”
With 50 prototype vehicles already in production, the new electric truck, which is expected to arrive by the end of 2024, will compete with new vehicles from Scania and Renault.
The massive 600kWh battery, which is composed of three 207kWh battery packs for a total of 621kWh, is the most remarkable aspect of the new e-truck.
Mercedes said that the technology in the new e-truck gave the same degree of durability as a normal truck, with the new eActros capable of 1.2m km in 10 years of operation. As a result, the company decided to employ lithium-ion phosphate battery cells to ensure a longer service life.
The eActros 600 has a range of up to 500 km (310 miles) thanks to its massive battery, however the range when the truck is completely loaded has not been revealed.
Mercedes states that the eActros should be able to travel more than 1000 km (600 miles) per day with interim recharge during scheduled driver breaks.
Mercedes claims that it will refit its models with megawatt charging capabilities, meaning that an eActros may be charged at up to 400kW. This should enable a 20–80% charge to be completed in around 30 minutes with a single megawatt charger.
According to Mercedes, most long-distance trips taken by Mercedes truck customers in Europe are less than 500 km, thus fleets would only need to add charging at loading and depot locations.
From a distance, the eActros’s styling is significantly different from that of its ICE-powered sister, almost like a Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet.
The eActros’s cab design is heavily influenced by aerodynamics; the front end has an optimized bumper with underbody paneling and a fully closed-off grille.
Aerodynamic efficiency is further enhanced with a roof spoiler and air deflectors on the A-pillars. The front cabin’s 80mm extension contributed to the aerodynamic form of the structure.
A unique 800-volt electric axle and dual-motor system, together with a four-speed gearbox designed especially for heavy-duty long-haul transport, are highlights of the eActros. Peak power output is 600 kW (805 horsepower).
Regenerative braking makes it possible to recover lost electrical energy and refuel the battery, all the while reducing the load on the actual brakes.
There are five choices for adjusting the regeneration level, and you may use the one-pedal driving mode to avoid having to brake yourself.
Additionally, Mercedes has installed its Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) gearbox and cruise control, which automatically adjusts the drive system based on the driving style, traffic signs, road terrain, and traffic route.
This eliminates needless braking and acceleration, which usually drain the battery, and permits more fuel-efficient driving.
Mercedes also states that the new e-truck would emit more than 80% less CO2 than a traditional diesel long-haul vehicle over its entire cycle.
A modern exterior sound system has also been added to the German brand’s newest truck to warn bikers and pedestrians of its presence. The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound spectrum, according to Mercedes, is “designed to take into account the appearance of a heavy vehicle.”