Mercedes-Benz Trucks has revealed a new generation of its all-electric long-haul truck named the Mercedes eActros 600 Truck, which can be seen as a direct competitor to the rumored short-range version of the Tesla Semi.
Featuring a cab-forward design typical of European trucks, the eActros 600 is based on an 800-volt electric architecture that accommodates two electric motors with a continuous output of 400 kilowatts (536 horsepower) and three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs that offer a total capacity of 621 kilowatt-hours.
What to know about “manufacturer”
Karin Elisabeth Rådström (born 22 February 1979) is a Swedish engineer and business executive in the commercial vehicle segment. She has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck since February 2021 and has been responsible for the Mercedez Benz truck brand there since May.
Model’s general features
| performance | |
| Torque | 2200Nm – 1450Nm |
| weight and capacities | |
| curb weight | 44 tonnes |
| cargo capacity | 621kWh |
Model Engine, Transmission and Performance.
There’s also a four-speed transmission designed specifically for use in heavy-duty long-haul transport, and the dual-motor setup is capable of delivering a peak output of 600 kW.
Range, Battery life and Charging
Charging the batteries can be done via the CCS2 connector at rates of up to 400 kW but Mercedes-Benz says that the truck is also capable of accepting up to one megawatt (1 MW) of DC power from a compatible source and that the vehicles will be retrofittable with the proper connector and components once the so-called megawatt charging system (MCS) technology becomes available and is standardized.
The eActros 600 has a range of 321 miles (500 kilometers) on a full charge with a total towing weight of 88,185 pounds (40 metric tons), and a daily distance of 621 miles can be achieved with intermediate charging when the driver needs to take his mandatory rest.
Power
The payload is around 48,501 lbs (22 metric tons) with a standard European trailer, but the tractor has a gross combination weight of 97,003 lbs (44 metric tons). Two chassis versions are offered: 6×2 with a wheelbase of 181.1 inches (4,600 millimeters) and 4×2 with a 157.4-in (4,000-mm) wheelbase.
Compared to what we know about the Tesla Semi, the eActros seems similar, at least when it comes to hard specs. The long-range Semi was touted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk as having driven a 500-mile course with a combined weight of 81,000 lbs. More recently, one of PepsiCo’s Semis traveled over 1,000 miles on a single day with several charging sessions, logging a stint of almost 372 miles before stopping for a top-up when the battery’s state of charge (SoC) reached nine percent.
The long-haul version of the Tesla Semi has an estimated battery capacity of around 850-900 kWh, but there’s also a rumored standard- or short-range version of the truck that will reportedly offer about 300 miles of range on a full charge.
For a bit of perspective, the GMC Hummer EV, which is a passenger vehicle, has a battery pack that stores an estimated 212 kWh (usable) for a driving range of over 300 miles.
Getting back to the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, its maker says that the entire vehicle is covered by a 12-month warranty with unlimited miles, while the electric powertrain is covered under warranty for a maximum of 36 months or 223,693 miles (360,000 km). The high-voltage batteries benefit from the longest warranty period, with a maximum of 72 months, 447,387 miles (720,000 km), or 1,800 charging cycles, whichever comes first.
The rig features two power take-offs, one electric-mechanical that enables the operation of hydraulic or mechanical work equipment such as tipping, sliding floor, or silo semi-trailers, as well as an electric DC or AC power take-off that can provide between 20 and 90 kW to things like refrigerated trailers.
Model Interior
Inside, the all-electric tractor has a rather conventional layout compared to its American rival, with the steering wheel on one side of the cab and a pair of screens – one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The interior model of the new Actros meets the highest standards in terms of driving and living comfort and ergonomics. That’s because, in designing the cabs, the emphasis is placed firmly on the driver’s needs. From the choice of colors, which creates a congenial setting and a pleasant sense of space, to the new interior light concept. Everything serves to make work easier and to make breaks on board as pleasant and relaxing as possible.
Safety
A host of safety systems is also present, including Active Brake Assist, Frontguard Assist, Active Sideguard Assist, and Active Drive Assist that combine information from four short-range radars, one long-range radar, and a 270-degree windshield camera to minimize reaction times.
History and production locations
The Mercedes eActros 600 Truck got its name from the battery capacity in kilowatt-hours and features a high battery capacity, along with an efficient electric drive axle developed in-house, enabling a range of approximately 500 kilometers without the need for intermediate charging. Mercedes-Benz Trucks expects the truck to replace the majority of diesel trucks in the important long-haul segment and set new standards in terms of cost-effectiveness. Production of prototypes for customer test fleets is already underway, and series readiness is planned for 2024. The eActros 600 will be manufactured at Mercedes-Benz plants in Wörth, Mannheim, Gaggenau, and Kassel, which are currently preparing for series production.
