Mercedes-Benz unveils the eActros 600, a long-distance electric truck with a 500 km range

Mercedes-Benz, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, has announced the launch of its new electric truck model, the eActros 600, which is designed for long-haul transport.

The eActros 600 will make its official world premiere on October 10, 2023, and will go into series production in 202412.

The eActros 600 is the successor of the conventional diesel-powered Actros, and aims to replace the majority of diesel trucks in the long-haul segment. According to Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the eActros 600 sets new standards in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability for customers. 

The eActros 600 has a battery capacity of 600 kilowatt-hours, which gives it a range of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) without intermediate charging. The battery pack consists of lithium iron phosphate cells, which offer a long service life and more usable energy. The truck also features an 800-volt system architecture, which enables fast and efficient charging. The eActros 600 can be charged from 20 to 80 percent with about one megawatt in well under 30 minutes. 

The truck is powered by an electric rigid axle with two integrated electric motors, which generate a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of over 600 kW. The eActros 600 also has a new Mercedes-developed e-axle for increased efficiency.

The eActros 600 will not only stand out for its performance and technology, but also for its design. The truck will have a distinctive driver’s cab that breaks with the familiar look of the Actros series and picks up on design elements of the concept prototype presented at the IAA in September 2022. The design language of the prototype is characterized by clear lines and an aerodynamic shape. The interior will also receive innovations, but the manufacturer has not revealed any details yet. 

In addition to the semitrailer tractor, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also plans to build platform chassis variants of the eActros 600 right from the market launch. The truck will be produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany, with key components coming from the plants in Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau. The manufacturer has already built several test vehicles at these locations and has conducted winter testing in Finland earlier this year. A fleet of around 50 prototype vehicles is currently under construction and will undergo real-world testing with customers. The eActros 600 will be validated to meet the same durability requirements as a comparable conventional long-distance Actros. 

The eActros 600 is part of Mercedes-Benz’s holistic strategy for electrification, which covers both vans and trucks. The company has significantly reduced investment in internal combustion engine powertrains over the remainder of the decade and has developed a modular and scalable EV architecture for its vehicles. The company has also signed a joint letter of intent with logistics provider DB Schenker, which plans to acquire 100 eActros trucks for long-haul operations in Europe. DB Schenker stated that the trucks are intended to contribute to its goal of achieving CO2 neutrality by 2040. 

Don’t forget to share it