Mercedes-Benz Trucks has introduced an innovative iteration of its electric long-haul truck, named the eActros 600, designed to go head-to-head with the forthcoming electric semi-trucks from America. The eActros 600 showcases the familiar cab-forward European truck design and utilizes an 800-volt electric platform, featuring two electric motors producing a consistent 400 kilowatts or 536 horsepower. To power this robust electric system, three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs with a combined capacity of 621 kilowatt-hours have been integrated.
Furthermore, a specialized four-speed transmission has been developed for heavy-duty long-haul transportation needs, complementing the dual-motor configuration capable of delivering an impressive peak output of 600 kW. A massive bump from 536 hp to 805 electric ponies. When fully charged, the eActros 600 EV is capable of traveling approximately 500 km. Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that roughly 60 percent of its customers' long-distance journeys fall within this electric truck's maximum range, alleviating range anxiety concerns provided there is charging infrastructure at both loading and unloading locations. If drivers do push the limit on longer journeys, the eActros 600 EV can extend its range up to 1,000 km daily driving distance through intermittent charging during legally mandated driver breaks.
“The eActros 600 stands for the transformation of road freight transport towards CO2-neutrality like no other truck with a three-pointed star. It is characterized by highly innovative drive technology that can offer our customers particularly high energy efficiency and thus profitability. This makes entry into e-mobility even more attractive for fleet operators.”
Currently, the eActros 600 has an impressive 400 kW charging capacity. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz has a vision to introduce megawatt-level charging. When this technology materializes, the company anticipates that recharging the truck's battery from 20 percent to 80 percent could be completed in just 30 minutes, provided a charging station can deliver around one megawatt of power. How far ahead that will be, we don’t know yet.
