The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is a battery-electric truck that promises to revolutionize the long-haul transport sector with its high performance, efficiency, and sustainability. But how does it cope with extreme weather conditions, such as the hot and dry summer in Spain? To find out, Mercedes-Benz Trucks conducted a series of rigorous tests on the eActros 600 in various locations across the country, with impressive results.
The eActros 600: A Truck for the Future
The eActros 600 is the latest addition to the eActros family of electric trucks, which also includes the eActros 300 and 400 for urban distribution. The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is designed for long-distance transport, with a range of up to 310 miles (500 km) on a single charge. It has a gross vehicle weight of 40 tons (36.3 tonnes) and a payload of up to 25 tons (22.7 tonnes). It is powered by an electric axle with two integrated electric motors that deliver a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of over 600 kW. The electric truck also features an innovative 800-volt system architecture that enables fast and efficient charging. The batteries of the eActros 600 can be charged from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes with a power of one megawatt.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is powerful, reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. It produces zero local emissions and significantly reduces noise pollution, making it ideal for urban areas and green zones. It also has lower operating costs than conventional diesel trucks, thanks to lower energy consumption, maintenance, and taxes. Moreover, the eActros 600 offers a high level of comfort and safety for the drivers, with a spacious and ergonomic cab, advanced assistance systems, and a new fire detection and alarm system.
The eActros 600 is expected to go into series production in 2024, following extensive testing and customer trials. Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to offer a comprehensive solution for electric long-haul transport, which includes not only the truck itself but also consulting services, charging infrastructure, and digital solutions.
Testing the eActros 600 in Spain
To ensure that the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 meets the highest standards of quality and performance in different markets and conditions, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has been conducting various tests on the truck since its world premiere in October 2023. One of the main testing locations is Spain, where the truck faces high temperatures, steep gradients, and long distances.
The testing program in Spain started in June 2023 and lasted until August 2023. It involved several prototype vehicles that were built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, with key components coming from the Mannheim, Kassel, and Gaggenau sites. The prototypes were equipped with special sensors and data loggers to monitor various parameters, such as battery temperature, power consumption, braking behavior, and cooling performance.
The tests covered different routes and scenarios across Spain, from north to south and from coast to coast. Some of the locations included Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Granada, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Burgos, Salamanca, Caceres, Cordoba, Murcia, Alicante, Almeria, Cadiz, Huelva, and La Coruna. The tests also involved different types of roads and traffic situations, such as highways, rural roads, urban areas, tunnels, bridges, roundabouts, tolls, traffic lights, and traffic jams.
The main objective of the tests was to evaluate how the eActros 600 performs under high ambient temperatures and solar radiation. Spain is known for its hot and dry summers, with average temperatures ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 95°F (35°C) in July and August. The tests also aimed to assess how the truck handles steep gradients and heavy loads. Spain has a diverse topography, with mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada and flat plains such as the Meseta Central. The tests also aimed to verify how the truck manages long distances and charging cycles. Spain has a well-developed road network, with over 10 thousand miles (16 thousand km) of highways and some remote areas where charging stations are scarce.
Impressive Results from the Tests
The results from the tests in Spain were very positive and confirmed that the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is ready for the challenges of electric long-haul transport. The truck demonstrated high performance, efficiency, and reliability in all conditions without compromising comfort or safety.
One of the most impressive achievements was that the truck was able to maintain its range of up to 310 miles (500 km) even under high temperatures and gradients. The truck's cooling system proved to be very effective in keeping the batteries and the motors within the optimal temperature range, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal power delivery. The truck's regenerative braking system also proved to be very efficient in recovering energy and extending the range. The truck's aerodynamic design also reduced air resistance and improved energy consumption.
Another remarkable achievement was that the truck was able to handle heavy loads and steep slopes without any problems. The truck's electric axle and motors provided enough torque and power to cope with up to 15% gradients, even with a full load of 40 tons (36.3 tonnes). The truck's chassis and suspension also provided enough stability and comfort for the drivers, even on rough roads. The truck's assistance systems, such as Stability Control Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Sideguard Assist, Active Brake Assist 5, tire pressure monitoring, and Roll Control Assist, also provided extra support and safety for the drivers.
Another notable achievement was that the truck was able to manage long distances and charging cycles without any issues. The truck's 800-volt system architecture enabled fast and convenient charging at various locations across Spain, using different types of chargers and connectors. The truck's batteries could charge from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes with a power of one megawatt, equivalent to adding about 250 miles (400 km) of range. The truck's digital solutions, such as the eActros app and the eActros portal, also provided useful information and guidance for the drivers and the fleet managers, such as the battery status, the range, the charging options, the route planning, and the energy consumption.
Conclusion
The tests in Spain confirmed that the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is a game-changer for the electric long-haul transport sector. The truck proved its ability to cope with extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures and solar radiation. It also proved its ability to handle challenging road conditions, such as steep gradients and heavy loads. It also proved its ability to manage long distances and charging cycles without compromising on performance, efficiency, reliability, comfort, or safety.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is more than just a truck. It is part of an integrated solution that includes consulting services, charging infrastructure, and digital solutions. The electric truck offers a sustainable, future-oriented, and innovative alternative to conventional diesel trucks. It is a truck that is ready for the future of electric long-haul transport.