Customer Testing Begins for the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Electric Truck The trial phase for the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has commenced with the introduction of the first two test vehicles. These e-trucks, designed for long-distance haulage and unveiled last year, will be gradually deployed over the next few weeks by leading container logistics firm Contargo and recycling expert Remondis, both subsidiaries of the global Rethmann Group.
Contargo plans to utilize its e-truck for several months to transport containers between the port of Wörth am Rhein and various loading and unloading points, aiming for a daily coverage of over 800 kilometers. Initially, the vehicle will be charged at a fast-charging station at the Contargo terminal in Karlsruhe, with plans underway to establish an independent charging infrastructure at their depot. Contargo aims to build Germany’s largest private charging network for heavy-duty electric trucks, boasting 90 charging points across 18 locations.
Meanwhile, Remondis will incorporate the test vehicle into the HoLa-project based in Cologne, focusing on the development and operation of a high-performance charging infrastructure for battery-electric long-distance transport. The Remondis test vehicle will primarily transport recycled raw materials and is equipped with a Kögel trailer.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to distribute additional test vehicles to customers with diverse operational requirements.
Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales, and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, emphasizes the success of customer testing in the pre-production phase, expressing gratitude to Contargo and Remondis for their involvement in the real-world testing of the eActros 600.
Michael Starke, CEO of Rhenus Trucking GmbH & Co. KG, underscores their commitment to decarbonization and excitement to be part of the testing project from its inception. Rhenus Trucking has ordered 20 eActros 600 vehicles, positioning themselves as one of the pioneering companies in the adoption of electric trucks for container logistics and national long-distance haulage.
Contargo’s CEO Andreas Roer highlights the suitability of the eActros 600 for their operations, particularly noting the vehicle’s capability to cover 820 kilometers daily in two-shift operation, supported by their robust charging infrastructure.
Sascha Hähnke, CEO of Remondis Sustainable Services GmbH, emphasizes their dedication to sustainability and the significance of participating in the eActros 600 customer testing, aligning with their commitment to climate neutrality and sustainable logistics.
Remondis opts for Kögel trailers for the eActros 600 test, citing their reliability, customization options, and shared commitment to sustainable transport solutions.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 features a high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt-hours, offering a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging. Advanced charging options, including megawatt charging, further enhance its operational efficiency and viability for long-haul transport. The vehicle’s sleek design, coupled with its profitability and comprehensive support services, positions it to replace diesel trucks in long-haul transport segments.
Series production is slated to commence by the end of 2024, with Mercedes-Benz Trucks offering rigid variants of the eActros 600 alongside the tractor unit, providing customers with versatile options for all-electric transport applications.
