The two e-trucks on the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” by Mercedes-Benz Trucks have traveled 4,436 kilometers using battery-electric power, reaching the North Cape in Norway after 12 days. This is the northernmost point in Europe accessible by road from the mainland. The two near-series prototypes of the new eActros 600 started from Frankfurt am Main on June 11, embarking on the most extensive test run in the company’s history. The tour covers more than 20 European countries, with each vehicle traveling over 13,000 kilometers and towing 40 tons. Highlights include the southernmost point in Continental Europe: Tarifa in Spain.
In Norway, the e-trucks completed a 480-kilometer leg, the longest yet, on a single battery charge. This route featured challenging rural roads and topography, with the e-trucks showing a remaining range of 30 kilometers despite strong winds and rainy weather. The eActros 600 prototypes demonstrated reliability throughout.
Gathering Data on Energy Consumption
The “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024” aims to collect extensive data on energy consumption across various routes, topographies, and climates. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to share these insights with interested customers. The eActros 600, featuring a battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours and a new efficient electric drive axle, achieves a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging. The tour relies on public charging stations.
Tour Progress and Future Stops
The tour has already traversed Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Upcoming destinations include Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
About the eActros 600
Approximately 60 percent of long-distance journeys by Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe are under 500 kilometers, making depot and loading/unloading point charging sufficient. For longer distances, expanding public charging infrastructure is crucial. The eActros 600 supports CCS charging up to 400 kW and will later enable megawatt charging (MCS). In April, Mercedes-Benz Trucks successfully charged a prototype eActros 600 at a one-megawatt station. MCS pre-installation is available, with plans for retrofitting once standardized.
The eActros 600 can charge from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a suitable one-megawatt station. The truck features a new aerodynamic design and aims to set profitability standards for fleet operators, eventually replacing most diesel trucks in long-haul transport. Mercedes-Benz Trucks offers a comprehensive solution including vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services.
