Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the European division of commercial vehicle maker Daimler Truck, has revealed its latest addition to its eActros family of electric semi-trailer trucks: the eActros 600. The new model, which premiered on Tuesday at the Break Autohof Hamburg Nordheide on the A7 in Egestorf, Germany, is designed to replace diesel-powered trucks in the long-haul segment with zero emissions and lower operating costs.
What makes the eActros 600 different?
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is not just a conventional truck with an electric drivetrain. It is a completely new vehicle that has been developed from the ground up with electric mobility in mind. According to Daimler Truck, the eActros 600 offers several advantages over its diesel counterparts, such as:
- A range of up to 330 miles on a single charge, which can be extended to 660 miles with a mandatory driver break and fast charging. This is comparable to the range of current diesel trucks and enough to cover most long-distance routes in Europe.
- A battery capacity of 621 kWh is divided into three packs of 207 kWh each. The batteries use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, which are more stable and durable than other types of lithium-ion cells. The batteries can be charged at rates of up to 400 kW using a CCS charger or even faster using a megawatt charger that can replenish 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes.
- A power output of 536 hp continuous and 804 hp peak, delivered by two electric motors mounted on a single axle. The motors are connected to a four-speed automatic transmission that has been specially developed for heavy long-distance transport. The transmission allows for optimal efficiency and performance at different speeds and loads.
- A payload of about 48,500 pounds using a standard trailer. The eActros 600 has a gross combination weight of up to 97,000 pounds, which is similar to diesel trucks in the same segment. The eActros 600 also features two power take-offs, one mechanical and one electric (AC or DC), that can supply power to auxiliary equipment such as refrigeration units or hydraulic pumps.
- A design that is both futuristic and functional. The eActros 600 has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other trucks on the road. It features a sleek cab with LED headlights and taillights, a large digital display behind the windshield, and an illuminated faux grille that shows the Mercedes-Benz star and the eActros logo. The cab also offers a spacious and comfortable interior for the driver, with ergonomic seats, a multifunction steering wheel, and a 12-inch touchscreen that controls various functions and settings.