Daimler Truck has provided advanced notice of a major highlight at the upcoming IAA in Hannover. The Mercedes Benz Trucks Brand will unveil their battery-electric eActros Long-haul long-distance truck. The manufacturer announced the 40-ton truck in 2020 and presented the “concept prototype” precisely two years later for the first time. The eActros Long-haul to be shown at IAA provides a preview of the design theme of the series-production vehicle. The tractor unit is also part of the eActros Long-haul test fleet. The first prototypes are already undergoing intensive testing, and the eActros Long-haul will be tested on public roads this year. In the coming year, near-production prototypes will got to customers for real-world use testing. Series readiness is planned for 2024. On a single battery charge the eActros Long-haul will range around 500 kilometres. In addition, the e-truck will enable high-performance charging – or so-called “megawatt charging.”
Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “The electrification of heavy long-distance transport is the next milestone on our road to CO2-neutrality. The eActros Long-haul is a battery-electric vehicle which is planned to be economically feasible for our customers. My team and I look forward to presenting this innovative truck to our customers and the public in September.”
The batteries used in the eActros Long-haul employ lithium-iron-phosphate cell technology (LFP). These are characterized, above all, by a long service life and more usable energy. The batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 % in well under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt. The long range on a single charge combined with megawatt charging results in overall ranges on a par with conventional trucks and thus enables two-shift operations. A well-balanced driveline also characterizes the vehicle for a pleasant driving experience. In addition, the eActros Long-haul features the manufacturer’s numerous safety innovations. The core of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks concept for battery-electric long-distance transport is to offer customers a holistic solution consisting of vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services.
Battery-electric drives have the highest efficiency among alternative drives. The eActros Long-haul provides a high energy efficiency with its purely battery-electric drive. This gives transport companies significant economic advantages in eActros Long Haul's intended use scenarios.
The lion’s share of long-distance transport applications in transporters’ operational practices does not require a range beyond the 500 km the eActros Long-haul makes possible on a single charge. In addition, legal restrictions on the driving times for truck drivers limit the need for longer ranges, depending on the case. For example, truck drivers in the EU must take a minimum of a 45-minute break after a maximum of 4.5 hours of driving. During this time energy for the remaining route can be recharged. The eActros Long-haul is therefore the right choice for transport companies when used regularly on routes that can be planned, given appropriate distances and charging options.
Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group have signed a binding agreement to establish a joint venture for public charging for long-distance transport. This provides for establishing and operating a public high-performance charging network for battery-electric heavy-duty long-distance trucks and coaches in Europe. The charging network of these three parties should be available to fleet operators in Europe, regardless of brand. Regarding depot charging, Mercedes-Benz Trucks works with Siemens Smart Infrastructure and ENGIE.
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