Mercedes-Benz Trucks has made its much anticipated move into the long-haul electric truck sector with the unveiling of the new eActros 600 in production ready specification ready for European customers in 2024.

At a world premiere near Hamburg, Mercedes-Benz Trucks confirmed the total storage capacity of the three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs is more than 600 kilowatt hours (621kWh installed capacity) – hence the model designation 600.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the adoption of LFP battery technology is a step forward from more commonly used lithium-ion cells. LFP batteries are less prone to combustion and thermal runaway and also better suited to automotive use as they have a significantly longer cycle life.

A newly developed 800-volt electric drive axle with two motors and a four-speed transmission enables the e-truck to achieve a range of 500km without intermediate charging.

The electric motors generate a continuous output of 400kW as well as a peak output of 600kW to ensure powerful acceleration and driving refinement. The full motor output is available most of the time with almost no interruption in torque.

Engineers say the battery capacity allows the eActros 600 to travel significantly more than 1000km with intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even when megawatt-charging is unavailable.

It’s estimated about 60% of long-distance journeys of Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe are shorter than 500km, which means charging infrastructure at the depot and at the loading and unloading points is sufficient for these roles.

For all other applications, Mercedes-Benz Trucks says expansion of the public charging infrastructure is vital in order to make the electric truck viable for long-distance haulage across Europe.

In addition to CCS charging (up to 400kW), the eActros 600 will later also enable megawatt charging (MCS) and from the start of sales, customers can order a pre-installation for this.

As soon as MCS technology becomes available and is standardised across manufacturers, it can be retrofitted to eActros 600 models with the pre-installation option. The batteries can be charged from 20-80% in about 30 minutes at a charging station with an output of around one megawatt.

The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tons in the EU. In some cases, national law may permit a higher payload.

The eActros 600 cab is a new design with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape which is being marketed under the “ProCabin” name. The completely closed and rounded-off front end, an optimised bumper – including underbody panelling – plus extended end flaps designed like sails among its aerodynamic features.

Air deflectors on the A-pillars, an additional spoiler on the roof and a sealed motor compartment complement the aerodynamic improvements to the cab. Over and above this, the cab is equipped with aluminium step plates, a new headlamp concept with matrix LED headlamps and an LED light strip.

To ensure that vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists will notice the electric truck in their surroundings, it is equipped with an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in accordance with legal requirements.

Depending on the driving conditions, sounds are played for forward or reverse travel. In addition, the sound varies depending on the vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position, so that good acoustic perception is possible in urban traffic. The futuristic sound spectrum of the AVAS in the eActros 600 is designed to take into account the appearance of a heavy vehicle.

Sales of the eActros 600 start this year with series production planned for the end of 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks assembly plant in Wörth am Rhein, Germany. It will be built alongside the trucks that will continue to be equipped with a diesel drive.

In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from market launch, offering customers further possible applications for all-electric transport. A fleet of around 50 prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which are also to be put into practical testing with first customers in a next step.