Mercedes-Benz eActros 600: The Electric Truck That Can Handle the Heat

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.