Daimler Truck has presented its heavy-duty, battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul long-distance truck, which has a range of about 500km, to the public for the first time at IAA Transportation 2022.
Daimler Truck unveiled a concept prototype of the electric truck at a press conference ahead of the IAA on Sunday evening. Series production of the eActros LongHaul is planned for 2024.
The eActros LongHaul presented at IAA provides a preview of the design of the vehicle with its clear contours and an LED light strip in the front area.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also announced additional information on the eActros LongHaul series. Three battery packs provide an installed total capacity of over 600kWh and two electric motors, as part of a new e-axle, generate a continuous output of 400kW (536hp) and a peak output of more than 600kW (805hp).
It was also confirmed that Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros LongHaul at market launch. Development engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks are designing the eActros LongHaul so that the vehicle and its components meet the same durability requirements as a comparable conventional heavy long-distance Actros, equating to 1.2 million kilometres on the road over 10 years.
The batteries used in the eActros LongHaul employ lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP). These are characterised by a long service life and more usable energy. The batteries of the production eActros LongHaul can be charged from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of about one megawatt.
First prototypes are already undergoing intensive testing and the eActros LongHaul will be trialled on public roads this year. In the coming year, near-production prototypes will go to customers for real-world use testing.
Martin Daum, CEO Daimler Truck: “Since the last IAA four years ago we have moved forward at full speed with the transition to CO2-neutral transport. This year we already have eight pure battery-electric series-production vehicles in our portfolio. However, it’s not enough just to offer the right vehicles. Our customers also need the suitable infrastructure. We are active here at a wide variety of levels. For a rapid build-up, it is essential that the entire industry and governments pull together.”
Mercedes-Benz makes commitment to hydrogen in Hanover
Besides the unveiling of its electric eActros LongHaul, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also revealed plans at IAA Transportation 2022 to expand its range to include hydrogen-based fuel-cell HGVs in the second half of the 2020s, as part of the brand’s drive towards zero-emission targets.
The manufacturer says that the first prototypes of its hydrogen-powered GenH2 truck are already being tested on in-house test tracks and public roads. The truck’s powertrain makes use of liquid hydrogen, as opposed to gaseous hydrogen which has a lower energy density.
While nothing is finalised as the truck is still in development, Mercedes-Benz says that the GenH2 will have a maximum range 1,000km (621 miles) or more, and a payload capacity of 25 tonnes.
Next-generation FUSO eCanter now available in Europe
Daimler Truck has also announced the European arrival of an all-electric FUSO inner-city distribution truck at IAA Transportation 2022.
First introduced in 2017, this latest FUSO eCanter iteration is now on sale, and is said to be more powerful and more efficient than before – thanks to the addition of new wheelbase and battery pack options.
While the eCanter was previously available with a single 83kWh (111hp) powertrain, the updated range now offers three different battery options.
The entry-level ‘S’ variant is powered by a 41kWh (55hp) battery which can muster 43 miles of travel on a single charge, the mid-range ‘M’ option uses a 83kWh (111hp) battery to produce a maximum range of up to 73 miles, and the top-spec ‘L’ model is equipped with a 124kWh (166hp) battery that offers an electric range of up to 124 miles.
This powertrain range may be limited by the wheelbase length you opt for. Six different lengths are available, stretching from 2.5 metres to 4.8 metres. All models can hold a maximum payload of five tonnes.
