As originally reported in our sister publication Commercial Motor, Daimler Trucks chose Road Transport Expo 2023 for the UK premiere of no less than three different vehicles.
Taking pride of place on its outdoor stand was a Mercedes-Benz eEconic 300 (pictured). The battery-powered low-entry truck had a Terberg refuse body fitted to its 6x2 rear-steer chassis. Equipped with three batteries, the eEconic has enough range to cover 90% of typical diesel-powered Econic refuse collection routes on a single charge. The flat-floored cab on show was fitted with a conventional nearside slam door, giving it a four-star Direct Vision Standard rating. Meanwhile those fitted with bus doors receive the maximum five stars. A further two unbodied eEconics could be found inside the halls.
Also making its UK debut was the New Generation FUSO eCanter. There are 36 derivatives of this electric truck available, with GVWs ranging from 4.25 tonnes to 8.55 tonnes, six different wheelbases from 2,500mm to 4,750mm, and two cab widths.
Power is supplied by two electric motors, either 110kW for trucks in the 4.25- to 6-tonne bracket, or 129kW for 7.49- and 8.55-tonners. Depending on whether buyers opt for one, two or three 41.3kWh LFP batteries, it can travel for 45 miles, 90 miles or 125 miles respectively on a single charge.
The third UK first was the Mercedes Actros Edition 3. The manufacturer anticipates selling just 20 of these 630hp tractors in the UK. The truck could be found on the Kuda Automotive stand, the customising and accessory specialist having fitted the top-spec truck with side skirts, a full-size catwalk, TV, microwave and CabStore lockers on the rear cab wall.
