MERCEDES-BENZ WILL LAUNCH THE NEW EACTROS 600 FOR THE LONG-HAUL
Mercedes-Benz will launch worldwide the new series version of the eActros LongHaul, an electric truck for long-haul travel, with a new design and a new name, the eActros 600. The eActros had already been presented for the first time at the IAA Transportation 2022 as a “prototype” and were already being tested in Finland earlier this year.
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 — Source: Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz production plants in Wörth have built more vehicles to be tested and have around 50 prototype vehicles in manufacture for practical testing. The components of this truck are produced at the plants in Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau, where they are intensively preparing series production of the eActros 600 for 2024.
Due to its low energy consumption, the eActros 600 is supposed to be the most economical long-haul truck of the Mercedes-Benz brand compared to the conventional diesel Actros.
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 — Source: Mercedes-Benz
Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: «The eActros 600, produced in Wörth, is capable of replacing most diesel trucks in the long-haul segment. It also offers great potential for reducing CO2 emissions. I am convinced that this truck will set the new benchmark in road freight transport».
Yaris Pürsün, Director of Global Operations for Power Systems at Daimler Truck, further added: «With the eActros 600, the production focus of the plants in Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau is starting to be increasingly directed towards e-mobility».
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 in tests — Source: Mercedes-Benz
The eActros 600 will be produced on the existing assembly line at the Wörth production site, together with the diesel engine trucks, and the components for the electric vehicles will also be installed at the same location.
The component plants in Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau are planning to move away from diesel technology to become a competence center for electric vehicle components, playing an important role in product electrification.
Camera system replacing mirrors — Source: Mercedes-Benz
The Mannheim plant is a leader in commercial vehicle engines and has more than 25 years of experience as the competence center for emissions-free mobility.
The drivetrain components are produced in Gaggenau and delivered to the Kassel plant, where they complete the assembly of the axle and drivetrain components. This plant is the competent center for the assembly of conventional axles and electric drive systems.
The electronic axle for the eActros 600 has been specially developed for long-distance travel, has technical innovations for higher and more efficient performance, and its design is based on the system designed for 800 volts instead of 400 volts.
Battery recharger — Source: Mercedes-Benz
In the series production phase an assembly line will be set up, which will include new test stations, inspections for safety-related problems and axle functionality. The electronic axle is already used in the eActros 300/400 and the eEconic, which are already manufactured in Kassel. These components are produced in a highly flexible manner on the conventional assembly line, allowing the plant to vary between the conventional and electronic axle according to the situation.
As part of the transformation to CO2-neutral transportation, the production sites are continuously developing a workforce for the production of trucks with new drive systems.
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 — Source: Mercedes-Benz
The eActros 600
The design of the driver’s cab of the eActros 600 separates itself from the familiar look of the Actros series models, still featuring elements of the prototype design presented at the IAA, such as clear lines and an aerodynamic design, and its interior has also been improved.
It is equipped with 3 battery packs with a total capacity of 600 kWH in series production and 2 electric engines as part of the new electronic axle that generates a continuous capacity of 400 kW and at peak capacity exceeds 600 kW.
The batteries employ lithium-iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and are characterized by their long service life. Development technicians at Mercedes-Benz Trucks say they are capable of being charged from 20 % to 80 % in less than 30 minutes in charging stations with a capacity of one megawatt.
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 — Source: Mercedes-Benz
At market launch, Mercedes-Benz will produce rigid variants of the eActros in order to offer its customers numerous all-electric transportation possibilities.
The eActros 600 is intended to be the right choice for consumers in terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainability and reliability.