Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced a significant expansion of its battery-electric truck portfolio, building upon the technological foundation of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. This strategic move aims to broaden the applications of electric trucks in heavy-duty long-haul transport, further supporting the transition to zero-emission logistics. The newly unveiled variants are designed to meet diverse customer requirements, focusing on enhanced flexibility in payload, range, and operational efficiency.
The eActros 600, introduced in 2023 as the second-generation flagship electric truck, has already set new standards in the segment with its innovative powertrain, advanced energy storage solutions, and driver-focused digital cockpit. The expansion of the portfolio underscores Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ commitment to offering comprehensive electric transport solutions while accelerating the decarbonization of the commercial vehicle sector.
Building on the Strengths of the eActros 600
The upcoming variants will retain the core technological features that have made the eActros 600 a standout model in its category. At the heart of this innovation is the self-developed electric drive axle, which integrates dual electric motors for maximum efficiency and performance. This system provides a seamless and powerful driving experience, optimized for the demands of long-distance heavy-duty freight transport.
One of the key differentiators of the eActros 600 platform is its use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology. Known for its superior durability and long service life, LFP cells offer a robust solution for operators seeking reliable energy storage with lower total cost of ownership. Complementing this is the 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables faster charging and improved power delivery, ensuring minimal downtime and greater operational efficiency.
Inside the cab, drivers benefit from the latest Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, a fully digital interface that enhances vehicle operation, route planning, and fleet management. Additionally, the eActros 600 is equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, further elevating safety and comfort on long hauls.
Expanding Variants to Meet Diverse Operational Needs
Understanding that no two transport operations are alike, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is introducing a range of new eActros 600 variants to address varying customer demands. The expanded lineup will include:
- Semitrailer tractors and platform chassis with extended wheelbases to accommodate different cargo requirements.
- Variants with two battery packs, offering operators greater flexibility in balancing payload capacity with range optimization.
- Alternative long cab configurations, maintaining the trusted Actros design language while providing multiple roof shapes for specialized applications.
These additions aim to leverage the modular design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, ensuring that fleet operators can customize their vehicles to match specific logistics needs without compromising on performance or efficiency.
Strategic Vision: Electrification at Scale
The expansion of the eActros 600-based portfolio reflects Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ broader vision of driving the commercial vehicle industry toward a carbon-neutral future. Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, emphasized the company’s commitment to rapid electrification:
“Our goal is to drive the industry’s decarbonization at high speed by electrifying more and more transport applications. The areas of application and thus the needs of our customers for battery-electric trucks are very diverse, especially with regard to payload and range. With the new variants, which will build on the strengths of the eActros 600, we want to offer our customers the best from the Mercedes-Benz Trucks modular system and support them in managing their transport solutions with battery-electricity and economically.”
This strategy not only supports global climate goals but also addresses the evolving regulatory landscape, where stricter emissions standards are prompting logistics providers to transition away from diesel-powered fleets.
Production Timeline and Future Outlook
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has outlined a clear production and rollout plan for its expanded electric truck portfolio. The first new eActros 600-based models will be available for order starting in autumn 2025. Assembly will partially take place at the company’s state-of-the-art Wörth am Rhein plant, which has been a hub for innovative truck manufacturing for decades.
In parallel with the portfolio expansion, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will gradually phase out production of the first-generation eActros 300 and eActros 400 models by the end of 2025. This transition marks a pivotal shift in the company’s product strategy, focusing resources on more advanced, high-performance electric vehicles that align with future mobility requirements. However, production of the eEconic, designed primarily for municipal applications like waste disposal, will continue unaffected.
A Growing Legacy in Electric Trucks
Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ journey into electromobility began in earnest in 2021 with the introduction of the eActros 300 and 400, aimed at heavy-duty urban distribution. These models demonstrated the company’s early commitment to electrifying commercial transport and laid the foundation for subsequent innovations.
The following year, the eEconic was launched, tailored for municipal waste collection, further diversifying the company’s electric vehicle offerings. In late 2024, series production of the second-generation electric trucks commenced, led by the eActros 600, which brought significant advancements in range, performance, and digital integration.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to introduce the eArocs 400, a battery-electric truck designed specifically for urban construction haulage. Unveiled at Bauma 2025, the eArocs 400 will incorporate key components from the eActros 600, including the robust LFP battery systems and front box architecture, ensuring consistency in quality and performance across the electric truck lineup. A small series production of the eArocs 400 is slated to begin in 2026.
Technology-Driven Efficiency and Sustainability
The technological advancements of the eActros 600 are at the core of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ strategy to offer not only sustainable but also economically viable electric transport solutions. The adoption of LFP battery chemistry is particularly noteworthy, as it offers several advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries, including:
- Enhanced thermal stability and safety.
- Greater resistance to capacity degradation over time.
- Lower environmental impact due to the absence of cobalt and nickel.
- Competitive cost structure, supporting broader adoption.
Moreover, the 800-volt electrical system is designed to facilitate ultra-fast charging, enabling operators to recharge substantial portions of battery capacity during legally mandated driver rest periods. This capability significantly improves vehicle utilization rates, which is a critical factor in the logistics industry’s cost-driven environment.
Supporting Drivers and Operators with Intelligent Systems
Beyond the mechanical and electrical innovations, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is investing heavily in digitalization to support drivers and fleet managers. The Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 offers real-time data visualization, predictive maintenance alerts, and seamless integration with fleet management platforms.
Advanced driver assistance systems, such as Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and MirrorCam, contribute to safer and less fatiguing driving experiences, particularly on long-haul routes. These technologies are designed to not only protect drivers but also reduce the risk of costly accidents and vehicle downtime.
A Step Forward in Commercial Transport Electrification
The expansion of the eActros 600-based electric truck portfolio represents a major milestone in Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ journey toward zero-emission logistics. By offering a wider range of variants tailored to diverse operational needs, the company is reinforcing its leadership in the battery-electric heavy-duty truck segment.
With production ramping up in 2025 and a forward-looking strategy that aligns with both customer demands and environmental imperatives, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable freight transport.
As the industry moves toward stricter emissions regulations and greater emphasis on corporate sustainability, the eActros 600 and its forthcoming variants symbolize not just a technological evolution, but a fundamental transformation in how goods are moved across regions and continents.
