Mercedes-Benz Trucks used the stand of its southern dealer Marshall Truck & Van at ITT Hub to showcase the new eActros rigid battery electric truck that has a range up to 400kms from its 420kWh battery packs.
Designed for heavy-duty regional distribution, series production of the eActros will begin in Wörth this autumn. This will be followed by the low-floor Mercedes-Benz eEconic truck in 2022 while the battery electric eActros LongHaul is expected to be launched in 2024. A ‘GenH2’ truck with a hydrogen fuel cell will come in the second half of this decade.
The eActros powertrain is unusual, using a rigid electric axle with two integrated liquid cooled electric motors and a two-speed transmission. With a maximum output of 400kW (536bhp) performance is brisk. The batteries are recharged as the vehicle decelerates or brakes, extending range between charging.
The eActros can be charged at up to 160kW and connected to a 400A DC charging station, the battery packs can go from 20% to 80% charged in one hour.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is doing more than selling the eActros, offering a complete eConsulting package that covers electrification of the depot and connection to the electricity network. It will also help with securing government grants to offset the cost of the vehicle.
Safety systems such as Sideguard Assist S1R that uses the MirrorCam mirrorless side view system to alert the driver to cyclists or pedestrians in their nearside blindspot and Mercedes-Benz’s fifth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition come as standard on the eActros.
Also at ITT Hub was the much-anticipated battery electric eSprinter which provides a 731kg payload and a range of up to 355kms. The batteries can also be rapid charged to 80% of capacity in 30 to 120 mins.
The battery comes with an eight year or 160,000km guarantee while range anxiety is eased with free roadside assistance including out of charge cover.
