In a landmark achievement for electric long-haul trucking, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has successfully concluded its eActros 600 European Tour. Two near-series prototypes of the eActros 600 covered over 15,000 kilometres each across 22 countries, demonstrating the viability of battery-electric technology for long-distance freight transport.
The 45-day journey, which began in Frankfurt on 11 June, took the trucks from the northernmost point of Europe at Norway’s North Cape to the southernmost tip of continental Europe in Tarifa, Spain. Throughout the tour, the vehicles maintained a 40-tonne gross combination mass, mirroring real-world operating conditions.
Crucially for operators considering the switch to electric, the trucks relied solely on public Charging infrastructure along the route. Christof Weber, Head of Global Testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, noted that while charging experiences varied, the tour proved that “battery-electric long-distance haulage is feasible.”
The eActros 600 showcased its impressive 500km range without intermediate charging, a feature that Weber described as “a reliable planning factor” for operators. This range covers approximately 60% of long-distance journeys typically undertaken by Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe.
The truck’s high-capacity battery system, boasting over 600 kilowatt-hours, coupled with a newly developed efficient electric drive axle, underpins its long-range capabilities. For operators, this translates to increased flexibility and reduced downtime.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is preparing the eActros 600 for megawatt charging (MCS), which could reduce charging times significantly. At a megawatt charging station, batteries can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Detailed insights from the ’Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’ will be presented at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover this September, while key findgins from the tour, particularly regarding energy consumption across various routes and climate conditions, will be shared with customers.
Weber concluded: “The two test vehicles mastered the tour with top marks. We can look back on almost seven weeks of exciting experiences and encounters that enabled us to collect many valuable insights.”
