Schmitt Expands EV Fleet with eActros 600

Logistik Schmitt Expands Electric Fleet with Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, Pushing Boundaries in Long-Haul Transport

Logistik Schmitt, a progressive logistics provider headquartered in Bietigheim, is further strengthening its position as a trailblazer in sustainable commercial transportation. The company has taken delivery of the first five of 23 new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks, officially expanding its battery-electric fleet. This latest addition marks a significant milestone for Schmitt as it transitions from regional and national operations to fully-fledged international long-haul routes—all with zero tailpipe emissions.

The delivery took place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, symbolizing a deepening relationship between Schmitt and Daimler Truck, a partnership rooted in innovation and real-world testing. For years, Schmitt has worked closely with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to trial and implement electric vehicles in practical, high-demand scenarios, contributing to the evolution of e-mobility solutions for heavy-duty logistics.

A Long-Term Partnership Built on Innovation and Trust

Schmitt’s journey toward electrification began in 2019 with the deployment of a prototype eActros 300 on a shuttle route between its warehouse in Ötigheim and the Mercedes-Benz Gaggenau plant in Rastatt. This truck replaced a diesel-powered vehicle, operating a three-shift schedule and covering approximately 168 kilometers daily while transporting transmission housings.

In 2021, this early prototype was upgraded to a near-production eActros 300 unit, enabling Schmitt to take on more complex logistics tasks. By 2023, the company had integrated six eActros 300 tractor units into its plant logistics fleet for Daimler Truck, significantly reducing its carbon footprint in local and regional freight movement. Now, this fleet is being supplemented—and upgraded—by the next-generation eActros 600.

Notably, Schmitt has also been part of real-world testing for the eActros 600. Two prototype vehicles have been running demanding 1,000-kilometer daily loops since May 2024, connecting Daimler Buses in Mannheim with a major supplier in Leipzig. The trucks recharge at Daimler’s Mannheim plant and a Milence charging park located at Hermsdorfer Kreuz, highlighting the growing network of long-haul charging infrastructure that supports all-electric operations.

Integral to Daimler’s Electrify Inbound Logistics Project

Logistik Schmitt plays a vital role in Daimler Truck’s “Electrify Inbound Logistics” initiative—a strategic project uniting 14 logistics partners to reduce carbon emissions across Daimler’s supply chain. As part of this program, Schmitt is now using the eActros 600 to deliver key components to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. The initiative kicked off with a high-visibility convoy of e-trucks departing from Wörth, signaling the start of a new era in electric freight logistics.

The eActros 600: Setting a New Benchmark in Heavy-Duty EV Transport

Unveiled in late November 2024, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 represents the company’s flagship entry into the electric long-haul trucking market. Customer deliveries began in December, and since then, the vehicle has racked up considerable accolades and real-world mileage.

The eActros 600 recently completed the “European Testing Tour 2024,” logging over 15,000 kilometers across 22 countries. It also braved the icy roads of Scandinavia during the “Winter Testing Tour 2025,” covering 6,500 kilometers with a gross combination mass (GCM) of 40 tons. This performance reinforced its reputation for durability, efficiency, and range under demanding conditions.

Recognition for the eActros 600 reached a pinnacle when it was awarded the prestigious “International Truck of the Year 2025.” This accolade, decided by a jury of 24 seasoned commercial vehicle journalists from across Europe, is the industry’s highest honor.

Game-Changing Performance and Battery Technology

The eActros 600 lives up to its name with a high-capacity battery system exceeding 600 kilowatt hours. It utilizes a trio of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, each delivering 207 kWh, resulting in a combined installed capacity of 621 kWh. LFP technology offers superior durability and reliability, with up to 95% usable energy capacity and an expected service life surpassing one million kilometers over ten years.

This robust system allows the truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging, even under a full 40-ton load. Depending on driving conditions, terrain, and usage patterns, the vehicle can exceed this baseline. With legally mandated driver breaks offering opportunities for fast charging, the eActros 600 can potentially travel over 1,000 kilometers in a single day—a game-changer for long-haul electrification.

The e-truck is engineered for a GCM of up to 44 tons and provides a payload of around 22 tons with a standard semitrailer, with some national regulations permitting even higher payload thresholds.

Supporting Infrastructure: TruckCharge by Daimler Truck

As electrification moves into the mainstream, Daimler Truck has developed a comprehensive infrastructure solution under the brand TruckCharge. This suite of services covers every aspect of e-mobility—from consulting and planning to hardware deployment and operational management. The initiative helps companies like Logistik Schmitt seamlessly transition to electric fleets without compromising on efficiency or uptime.

TruckCharge is manufacturer-agnostic, meaning it supports vehicles from multiple brands—a critical feature for large logistics companies operating mixed fleets. Whether it’s managing depot charging systems, optimizing energy procurement, or enabling on-the-road charging, TruckCharge delivers end-to-end electrification support.

Paving the Road to a Sustainable Future

With its continued investments in electric vehicle technology and charging infrastructure, Logistik Schmitt is leading by example in an industry under pressure to decarbonize. By adopting the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, the company is not only expanding its operational capabilities but also reaffirming its commitment to climate-conscious logistics.

This expansion represents more than just a fleet upgrade—it is a strategic step toward redefining what’s possible in international freight transport. As the logistics landscape evolves, pioneers like Schmitt demonstrate that electric mobility in heavy-duty applications is not just feasible—it’s the future.

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