Mercedes-Benz battery electric eActros truck celebrates world premiere

01/07/2021

Mercedes-Benz is bringing electrification to its heavy-duty truck range with the introduction of its new battery-electric eActros, which has just received its world premiere.

Paralleling the ground-breaking work being done by the German manufacturer in the field of hydrogen-based fuel-cell technologies, the new eActros is intended primarily for heavy-duty short-radius distribution. Its introduction forms part of a major swing by Mercedes-Benz Trucks towards eMobility, CO2-neutral transport and the development of alternative energy vehicles.

First presented in 2018, the eActros has undergone intensive customer testing and phase one series production is planned for later this year.

Welcoming its introduction, which heralds a new era for the German manufacturer as the first series-produced electric truck to bear the three-pointed star, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle sales manager in Ireland, Fergus Conheady views eActros ‘as yet another example of the work being done by Mercedes-Benz to maintain the position of Actros as a leading innovator in the field of heavy commercial vehicle development’.

eActros will draw its energy from either three or four battery packs of 105 kWh each. Positioned beneath the frame, within a protective aluminium housing, they produce a total capacity of 315 or 420 kW respectively, the latter providing a range of up to 400 kilometres.

With a charging capacity of up to 160 kW, when connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need little more than an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the technological centrepiece of the eActros is its drive unit – a rigid electric axle with two integrated electric motors and two-speed transmission. Both liquid-cooled, the motors generate a continuous output of 330 kW and a top performance of 400 kW.

Available as a two or three-axle truck with 19 or 27 tonnes permissible gross weight, its quiet drivetrain makes it suitable for night-time deliveries – easing strain on road networks during peak times.

Amongst its numerous other features are Interactive Multimedia Cockpit, Fleetboard management system and access to the eConsulting team at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Safety is enhanced through an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), providing warning noises to pedestrians and cyclists, Sideguard Assist – which uses MirrorCam display in place of regular main and wide-angle mirrors – and fifth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition, all fitted as standard.