Mercedes-Benz has premiered its battery-electric eActros for heavy-duty short-radius distribution. The first series-produced electric truck from the German marque promises a range of 400 kilometres, with production set to start this autumn.
The findings from the ‘eActros innovation fleet’, which started in 2018 and the close exchanges with customers have been incorporated into the development of the series-production model.
Battery and motors
The battery of the eActros is equipped with either three or four battery packs, each with an energy capacity of about 105kWh3. The maximum battery capacity of 420kWh2 enables ranges of up to 400 kilometres to be achieved, the company says.
At the heart of the truckis the drive unit – a rigid electric axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. Both liquid-cooled motors generate a continuous output of 330kW as well as a top performance of 400kW. Plus, if the vehicle is driven particularly foresightedly, recuperation enables the vehicle to recover electrical energy. The energy obtained in this way during braking is fed back into the batteries of the eActros and is again made available for use by the drive system.
The two integrated electric motors offer great efficiency and a constant delivery of power with high starting torque. The provision of immediate torque by the electric motors which are coupled with a two-speed transmission ensures powerful acceleration, impressive driving comfort and driving dynamics that enable more relaxed, low-stress driving than a conventional diesel-powered truck, according to Mercedes-Benz.
In addition, the low centre of gravity is also favourable when it comes to cornering, giving less roll.
In full-load operations, drivers enjoy a noise reduction of 10 dB inside the cab, which roughly corresponds to a halving of perceptible noise volume. Thanks to the low noise level, night-time deliveries are also possible. Contrary to a diesel truck, there are also noticeably fewer vibrations.
The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kW: When connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the battery packs need little more than one hour to charge from 20 to 80%.
Ecosystem
Mercedes-Benz has also created an ecosystem for the eActros, which also provides advice and services, as well as a range of digital solutions to increase capacity utilisation of the vehicle and to optimise the total cost of ownership. For example, using a customer’s existing route plans, it is possible to establish a highly realistic and meaningful usage profile for electric trucks. This so-called eConsulting doesn’t just include electrification of the depot, but – if the customer desires – also covers questions concerning planning, applying for and implementing everything to do with the charging infrastructure and connection to the electricity network.
To this end, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also established a strategic partnership with ENGIE and EVBox Group. Plus, if required, Mercedes-Benz Trucks can additionally provide help with identifying any available public grants for infrastructure and vehicles.
Intelligent digital solutions
Mercedes-Benz’s Multimedia Cockpit Interactive comes as standard in the eActros, which means the driver remains constantly up-to-date with the charge level of the batteries and the remaining range, as well as the current and average energy consumption.
Fleet managers can use the Fleetboard portal’s digital solutions to efficiently control their fleet. This includes such things as an individually developed Charge Management System for creating charging profiles, and a logbook containing detailed information on driving times, downtimes and charging breaks. There is also a mapping tool which shows the vehicle’s current location in real-time, as well as whether it is in motion, parked or being charged, not to mention how high the battery charge is.
Safety
Safety has also been a priority in the development of the eActros. For instance, special crash elements with an aluminium profile protect the batteries in the event of a side-on crash, while sensors integrated in these can detect a crash scenario. In such a case, the HV battery would be automatically isolated from the rest of the vehicle. The driver also always has the option of actuating the HV shutoff at any time in the cab.
Meanwhile, to ensure the vehicle is easier for road users like pedestrians and cyclists to hear, the eActros comes as standard with an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System. The eActros is also equipped as standard with Sideguard Assist, which helps when turning to the nearside. The fifth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition also comes as standard. This can help to reduce the risk of a collision in the longitudinal direction on urban streets, out-of-town roads or motorways.
“We have to acknowledge that transport is a part of the problem when it comes to climate change,” said Karin Rådström, member of the board of management at Daimler Truck AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “At the same time, we can and we will be part of the solution. We start with our eActros. We developed this truck together with our customers, and we tested it together – all in all more than half a million kilometres on public roads. The eActros and its dedicated services are a big step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers towards CO2-neutral transport.”
Andreas von Wallfeld, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, added: “With a range of up to 400 kilometres, a permissible gross vehicle weight with trailer of up to 40 tonnes and two powerful electric motors delivering a top performance of 400kW, the eActros is perfectly equipped to handle the daily work of our customers.
“Alongside the truck, our digital services and the new eConsulting teams help our customers to make the switch to e-mobility as simply and seamlessly as possible – for example by answering questions on charging infrastructure, fleet integration or route planning.”
