Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is a battery-electric truck that can haul up to 40 tons of cargo. It’s part of the company’s vision to achieve carbon-neutral transportation by 2039. But how does this electric truck perform in cold and snowy weather? Here’s what you need to know.
The eActros 600 has intelligent thermal and energy management
One of the main challenges of operating an electric vehicle in winter is the impact of low temperatures on the battery. Cold weather can reduce battery capacity, increase power consumption, and affect charging.
To overcome these challenges, the eActros 600 has an intelligent thermal and energy management system that ensures the optimal temperature of the drivetrain and the driver’s cab. The system uses waste heat from the electric motors and the battery to warm up the components and the interior. It also has a selectable charging mode that allows the driver to precondition the charging station's battery, reducing the internal resistance and enabling maximum power consumption.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the eActros 600 can handle temperatures as low as -19 degrees Celsius (-2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) without compromising the battery life or performance.
The eActros 600 can handle snow-covered roads with ease
Another challenge of driving in winter is the traction and stability of the vehicle on slippery roads. The eActros 600 has many features that help it cope with snow and ice, such as:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS): This system prevents the wheels from locking up when braking, which reduces the risk of skidding and losing control.
- Electronic stability program (ESP): This system detects and corrects any deviations from the intended direction of travel, such as oversteering or understeering. It applies selective braking and reduces engine torque to stabilize the vehicle.
- Traction control system (TCS): This system prevents the wheels from spinning when accelerating, which improves traction and reduces tire wear.
- Snow chains: The eActros 600 can be equipped with snow chains on the drive axle, which increase the grip and traction on snow and ice.
Mercedes-Benz has tested the eActros 600 in Rovaniemi, Finland, where the temperatures can drop below -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit) and the roads are often covered with snow. The company claims the electric truck performed well in these conditions and proved its reliability and efficiency.
The eActros 600 has a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles)
One of the main concerns of electric vehicle users is the range, especially in winter when the battery capacity and efficiency can decrease. The eActros 600 has a battery pack with a capacity of 420 kWh, which can provide a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) on a single charge, depending on the load, route, and driving style.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 can be charged with direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) at compatible charging stations. The charging time depends on the station's power output and the battery's state of charge. For example, at a DC station with 160 kW of power, the eActros 600 can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 90 minutes.
The eActros 600 also has a regenerative braking system that converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in the battery. This system can recover up to 30% of the energy and extend the range of the vehicle.
