Daimler Truck marked a major milestone in its journey toward electrification with the launch of series production for the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 at its Wörth plant. The celebration was attended by Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck; Daniela Schmitt, Rhineland-Palatinate’s State Minister for Economics, Transport, Agriculture, and Viticulture; Jürgen Distl, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Operations; Andreas Bachhofer, Head of the Wörth site and Production; and Michael Brecht, Chairman of the Group and General Works Council.
A Game-Changer for Sustainable Long-Haul Freight
Karin Rastrum emphasized the significance of the eActros 600: The start of series production of our eActros 600 demonstrates our commitment to transforming the industry. With a 500-kilometer range on a single charge, it addresses the European long-haul segment, which contributes two-thirds of CO2 emissions from heavy road freight. This truck will make a real impact.
Daniela Schmitt echoed this sentiment, stating: The eActros 600 positions itself at the forefront of technological advancement, proving that CO2-neutral freight transportation is already achievable today. It’s a strong signal for the commercial vehicle industry and a step toward maintaining Rhineland-Palatinate’s industrial competitiveness.
Flexible and Sustainable Production
The eActros 600 is the first electric truck from Wörth to be fully assembled within a single production hall, integrated into the existing assembly line alongside diesel-powered trucks. This flexible production approach ensures efficient scalability for future demand.
Andreas Bachhofer highlighted the plant’s readiness: Our production team is well-prepared for the gradual ramp-up. Integrating the eActros 600 into our assembly lines ensures we’re positioned to handle larger volumes.
Other Daimler Truck facilities, including those in Mannheim, Kassel, and Gaggenau, supply critical components like electric axles and high-voltage systems, underscoring the collaborative effort across the company’s network.
Empowering Employees Through Training
Daimler Truck has invested heavily in workforce development to support the transition to alternative drive technologies. In 2023, approximately 3,300 training sessions were held at the Wörth site, equipping employees with skills in high-voltage systems, battery technology, and hydrogen.
Toward a CO2-Neutral Future
The Wörth plant has been CO2-neutral on its balance sheet since 2022, sourcing renewable electricity and integrating photovoltaic systems. The site is exploring geothermal energy through the WärmeWerk Wörth joint venture with EnBW and the city of Wörth am Rhein, further advancing its sustainability goals.
The eActros 600’s series production aligns with the long-term vision for Wörth, established in a 2021 agreement to make the plant a hub for sustainable transportation. This includes the production of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks, workforce development, and achieving CO2-neutral manufacturing processes.
As Daimler Truck rolls out the eActros 600, it underscores its commitment to leading the transition to sustainable logistics and setting new benchmarks in commercial vehicle manufacturing.
