Mercedes-Benz Trucks will conduct its most extensive test run with its new electric flagship, eActros 600, this summer. The intention is for two near-series prototypes of the battery-electric long-haul truck to travel across more than 20 European countries, each completing more than 8,000 miles with 40 tons of total towing weight.
With this venture, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will gain experience on a wide range of routes in different topographies and climate zones with an eye on energy consumption. The manufacturer intends to share these findings with interested customers. The company hopes to use the tour to prove that purely battery-electric long-distance hauling is possible in Europe with the eActros 600.
The batteries will be charged exclusively at public charging stations. While a seamless public truck charging infrastructure is still vital to the further market ramp-up of e-trucks, the eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024 is intended to send a positive message to all parties involved. The more than 600 kWh battery capacity and an efficient electric drive axle enable the eActros 600 to achieve a range of more than 300 miles without intermediate charging.
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“We have put various prototypes of the eActros 600 through their paces over the last few years,” said Dr. Christof Weber, head of global testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Whether in the North of Finland or the South of Spain, the vehicle has long proven what it can do. With series development, we are now on the finishing straight.”
The eActros 600 European Testing Tour is scheduled to start in Frankfurt/Main on June 11. Unofficially, the tour will already begin the day before at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ site in Wörth am Rhein and at Daimler Truck AG’s headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to present further details, such as the route, in connection with the start of the tour.
