Located in Wörth am Rhein, the development and testing center (EVZ) of Mercedes-Benz Trucks is a hub for rigorous testing of heavy vehicles. With six indoor test rigs and an adjacent running-in track, the EVZ focuses on advancing testing procedures for both conventional and alternative drive systems.
At the EVZ, specialized testing for battery-electric and hydrogen-based truck drives is gaining prominence, particularly with the imminent series production of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. One notable addition is the Multi Piston Bench in building 220, an innovative tool for analyzing vehicle vibration behavior, ensuring driver comfort and safety.
The Multi Piston Bench simulates various road surfaces, allowing comprehensive evaluation of vehicle components and assemblies. This facility, along with Europe’s powerful Climatic Test Chamber, provides controlled environments for testing under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40°C to +70°C.
The Climatic Test Chamber not only assesses performance but also ensures safety during testing, with features such as exhaust gas ventilation systems and strict access protocols. Supplementary real-life testing, conducted on outdoor roads across Europe, complements laboratory results, offering insights into vehicle performance under diverse conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks recently concluded summer trials in Spain and winter trials in Finland for the eActros 600, affirming its readiness for series production. These tests scrutinized the truck’s capabilities and endurance under harsh weather conditions, ensuring its reliability in long-distance haulage.
