At a world premiere event in Hamburg, Germany, Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveiled its latest and most advanced electric truck, the eActros 600. The eActros 600 is a battery-electric long-haul truck that can travel up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a single charge, thanks to its high-capacity battery pack of more than 600 kilowatt-hours. The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is designed to replace diesel-powered trucks in the segment, offering a zero-emission and low-noise alternative for long-distance transport.
A new electric drive axle for heavy-duty trucks
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 features a new electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, which consists of two electric motors and a four-speed gearbox. The system operates at 800 volts and delivers a continuous output of 400 kilowatts (536 horsepower) and a peak output of 600 kilowatts (804 horsepower). The electric motors are mounted on a single axle and connect with the gearbox via a central shaft. The gearbox has four gears, two for low speeds and two for high speeds, which are selected automatically depending on the driving situation. The gearbox also allows for coasting and recuperation, which helps extend the truck's range and efficiency.
The eActros 600 has two power take-offs, one mechanical and one electrical, which can be used to power auxiliary equipment such as refrigeration units or hydraulic pumps. The electrical power take-off can provide either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) depending on the needs of the equipment.
A massive battery pack with long-lasting performance
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes (97,000 pounds) and can carry a payload of about 22 tonnes (48,500 pounds) with a standard trailer. To achieve such a high load capacity and range, the truck is equipped with a massive battery pack that has a gross energy content of 621 kilowatt-hours, which corresponds to the model designation 600. The battery pack consists of three modules, each containing 24 battery modules with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells. The LFP cells are known for their high cycle stability and safety, as well as their low cobalt content.
The battery pack is located between the axles, increasing the tractor unit's wheelbase to four meters (13 feet). This also improves the weight distribution and the aerodynamics of the truck. The battery pack is liquid-cooled and thermally insulated to ensure optimal performance in different weather conditions. The battery pack can be charged at up to 200 kilowatts using a combined charging system (CCS) connector, which allows for fast charging from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes. The battery pack also supports megawatt charging, which could reduce the charging time even further in the future.
The eActros 600 electric truck is designed to last for at least 10 years or 1.2 million kilometers (745,000 miles) without major maintenance or repairs. After this period, the battery pack is expected to retain at least 80% of its original capacity, which means it could still offer a range of around 400 kilometers (250 miles). The battery pack can also be recycled or reused for other purposes after its service life in the truck.