Mercedes-Benz Trucks has launched a new phase of practical tests for the eActros, which has now been approved as a truck-and-trailer combination with a total weight of 40 tons. The combination has been handed over to transport firm Logistik Schmitt in the northern Black Forest for endurance testing. The vehicle is already available to order for customers in this configuration.

“Starting an intensive exchange with customers at an early stage is an integral part of our vehicles’ development,” said Steffen Maier, Head of Customer Testing, Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “For this reason, our team has been supporting the practical stage of eActros testing at Logistik Schmitt since 2019. Following the successful launch of series production last October, we are now gradually expanding the range of applications for the eActros.”

Since the start of testing in 2019, the eActros has covered more than 70,000 kilometers on more than 7,000 trips. As part this process, it will continue to transport transmission housings and axle components to Daimler Truck plants in Rastatt and Gaggenau.

“The eActros as a truck-and-trailer combination is ideal for our purposes,” said Rainer Schmitt, Managing Partner at Logistik Schmitt. “In combination with the trailer, the electric truck now not only offers a higher total weight, but also significantly more transport volume. This means we can transport twice as many load carriers on the same trips.”

According to German law, in order to tow trailers over 10 tons, tractor vehicles of heavy-duty truck-and-trailer combinations must use a continuous braking system. In the eActros, this is provided by a special trailer brake (high-power brake resistor) for battery-electric vehicles.

The eActros is available with either three (eActros 300) or four battery packs (eActros 400), each of which offers an installed capacity of 112 kWh and a usable capacity of around 97 kWh. The eActros 400 version has a range of up to 400 kilometers.

The drive unit sports an electric rigid axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. Each of the liquid-cooled motors generates a continuous output of 330 kW and peak output of 400 kW.

The eActros can be DC fast charged at rates up to 160 kW.

Source: Daimler Truck