Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 production gets underway
Mercedes-Benz trucks has kicked off series production of its largest all-electric truck – the eActros 600.
The full-size long-haul HGV is the third in the manufacturer’s line of electric trucks, and will be built at the same Worth plant as the eActros 300/400 and the eEconic. The plant has undergone large-scale redevelopment to allow it to produce the electric vehicles alongside diesel trucks.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 takes its name from the battery capacity, which is in excess of 600kWh. Three 207kWh units offer total storage of 621kWh, allowing a range of 310 miles on a charge.
Initially, the eActros 600 will support 400kW DC charging via CCS but megawatt charging (MCS) will be made available at a later date, allowing a 20-80% charge of its massive batteries in just 30 minutes.
Designed for long-haul, heavy duty tasks, the eActros is designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semi-trailer, it has a payload of around 22 tonnes in the EU.
Marking the start of production, Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck, said: “The start of series production of our eActros 600 is a further proof of our ambition to transform the industry. With a range of 500 kilometers on a single battery charge, our eActros 600 is addressing the long-haul segment in Europe which is responsible for two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. Our battery-electric long-haul truck will therefore make a real difference.”
The eActros 600 has already been in action on the roads, taking part in a 1,400-mile EV tour of the UK and a European Testing Tour which saw it cover 15,000 kilometres through a total of 22 countries with a gross train weight of 40 tons.
