- The fully electric long-haul truck, Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, has demonstrated the feasibility of battery-electric solutions in long-distance road transport through its high energy efficiency during the European test tour.
- The new flagship electric truck, eActros 600, is expected to enter mass production at the Wörth plant by the end of November.
- Approximately two-thirds of Europe’s road heavy-duty transport carbon emissions come from long-haul transportation.
- Daimler Trucks is integrating electric infrastructure and truck charging services under its new TruckCharge brand.
- Several models were showcased at the IAA, including the next-generation FUSO eCanter electric garbage collection truck, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell truck, the debut of the Mercedes-Benz Actros L with new aerodynamic systems, the premiere of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz Tourismo safety coach, and the global debut of the short-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K electric city bus.
- Amid rapid digitalization, Daimler Trucks also presented the potential of software-defined commercial vehicles, highlighting advancements in safety, comfort, and efficiency.
- Visitors at the booth can experience co-driving and autonomous driving services, some of which require testing in outdoor or public road areas.
(Beijing, September 16, 2024) At the 2024 IAA Transportation event, held from September 17-22 in Hannover, Daimler Trucks, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle companies, focused on decarbonization and digitalization, showcasing its path towards sustainable transportation development. At this year’s exhibition, Daimler Trucks emphasized the fully electric long-haul truck, Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. Long-haul transport accounts for two-thirds of Europe’s road heavy-duty freight emissions. The eActros 600, designed for long-haul transport, boasts over 600 kWh of battery capacity and a newly developed highly efficient electric drive axle. It offers a range of 500 km without intermediate charging. This data reflects standard use for a 40-ton truck under realistic conditions, and the range can be even greater depending on driving style and route. If charging occurs during legally mandated driver breaks and charging facilities are available, even without megawatt charging (MCS), the eActros 600 could potentially travel over 1,000 km per day.
Two pre-production prototypes of the eActros 600 successfully completed Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ most extensive road test in history this summer. The 40-ton prototypes, over a seven-week period, traveled over 15,000 km through 22 European countries, charging solely at public charging stations. Data showed the prototypes achieved an average energy consumption of 103 kWh per 100 km, equivalent to around 10 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km, an almost unattainable figure for traditional diesel trucks. Furthermore, in several legs of the journey, the eActros 600 managed a theoretical range of over 600 km on a single charge, with approximately 25% of the drive power recovered through regenerative braking.
Depending on route, terrain, and temperature, energy consumption for the eActros 600 ranged from 85 to 140 kWh per 100 km. On favorable routes, such as the 360 km downhill stretch from Madrid to Bilbao, consumption was around 85 kWh per 100 km, while on the 240 km journey from Alta to Norway’s North Cape, with challenging terrain and low temperatures, consumption reached 140 kWh per 100 km. Around 30 journalists from 20 European countries participated in this journey, personally driving one of the prototypes, and despite varied driving conditions, average energy consumption was only about 6% higher, proving that a 500 km range without intermediate charging is indeed feasible for the eActros 600.
Daimler Trucks is set to commence production of the eActros 600 at the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant by late November, with the first customer vehicles expected to be produced and registered by the end of 2024. The eActros 600’s electric drive components, such as the e-axle, transmission components, and front box, will be supplied by Daimler Truck plants in Mannheim, Kassel, and Gaggenau.
Daimler Trucks CEO Martin Daum commented, “Years ago, Daimler Trucks committed to driving sustainable transportation forward. For us, IAA Transportation 2024 revolves around this vision. We are delivering an all-electric product portfolio based on customer demand.”
Karin Rådström, Member of the Daimler Truck Board of Management, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, added, “With a range of up to 500 km on a single charge, the eActros 600 could be a strong alternative to diesel trucks. By offering high efficiency with the eActros 600, we aim to help our customers improve profitability. We will continue working with governments, the energy industry, and businesses to expand public charging infrastructure.”
Since the release of the eActros 600 at the end of last year, Daimler Trucks has received over 2,000 official orders, with the number of intent orders reaching four figures.
At the opening of IAA, Daimler Trucks also introduced its newly launched TruckCharge brand in Europe. This brand integrates the company’s electric infrastructure, electric truck charging products, and services, along with the electrification of stations operated by transport companies and industrial businesses. It aims to provide customers with more convenient electric transport services and offer profit opportunities beyond the purchase of electric commercial vehicles.
Daimler Trucks also showcased a rich lineup of products at halls 19/20 of the Hannover Exhibition Center. These include the next-generation FUSO eCanter electric garbage collection truck and the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell truck. Additionally, the Mercedes-Benz Actros L with a new aerodynamic system made its debut, along with the next-generation Mercedes-Benz Tourismo safety coach and the global debut of the new short-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K electric intercity bus. Visitors at the booth can experience co-driving and autonomous driving services, with some experiences taking place in outdoor areas of the exhibition or on public roads. Furthermore, at the “Daimler Truck Media Night,” Daimler Trucks discussed the immense potential of software-defined commercial vehicles in the rapidly evolving digital age.
Both Martin Daum and Karin Rådström attended this media event. This was Karin Rådström’s first appearance since Daimler Trucks announced its next group CEO in September. Karin Rådström will succeed Martin Daum as the new CEO of Daimler Trucks starting October 1, continuing to pave the way for the company’s further transformation. Martin Daum will remain a board member until December 31, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. Karin Rådström will continue to oversee Mercedes-Benz Trucks until a successor is appointed.
Daimler Trucks Envisions Software-Defined Commercial Vehicles
In addition to decarbonizing transport, Daimler Trucks is also committed to leading the digital transformation, with a focus on the future of software-defined commercial vehicles. Next-generation trucks like the eActros 600 and Actros L are already equipped with a continuously improved mechatronic architecture that enables data processing speeds 20 times faster than before. In addition to enhancements in safety systems, such as the sixth-generation Active Brake Assist (ABA 6) and Active Sideguard Assist (ASGA 2), the new models also improve driver comfort and connectivity. This includes the second-generation Multimedia Cockpit Interactive and Connected Traffic Warnings, which detect hazards and transmit alerts to nearby vehicles. Many future features are expected to be activated via over-the-air updates. To fully harness the benefits of software and achieve significant advancements, it is necessary to reduce the number of distributed control units with different operating systems and completely redefine the mechatronic architecture. Andreas Gorbach, Daimler Trucks’ board member responsible for truck technology, presented the company’s vision of highly intelligent, software-defined commercial vehicles for the next decade at the Daimler Trucks IAA Media Night. This technological revolution will span the group’s brand portfolio and drive technologies.
Andreas Gorbach stated, “The future of truck transport is zero-emission and software-based. That’s why we are redefining our truck architecture and planning to set industry standards with the Volvo Group: a lean, high-performance architecture with a dedicated operating system. This will lay the foundation for software-defined commercial vehicles, providing our customers with superior safety, comfort, and efficiency. With continuous upgrades, we expect to achieve significant breakthroughs and define the future of truck transport.”
The joint venture planned by Daimler Trucks and the Volvo Group is expected to be the cornerstone of this vision. The goal is to jointly develop a standardized vehicle software platform as an industry standard for commercial vehicles, potentially applicable to other partners and customers. Specifically, the joint venture’s mission will be to define and procure computing units embedded in vehicles, which are powerful enough to handle vast amounts of data. Additionally, the joint venture intends to develop operating systems and programming platforms, allowing Daimler Trucks and the Volvo Group to create their own distinct customer applications. Furthermore, the software and hardware development cycles will be separated in the future, allowing customers to purchase additional digital services after the vehicle is acquired and update them via over-the-air technology.
Next-Generation FUSO eCanter Electric Truck: A Rich Lineup of Electric Models Serving Global Customers
The next-generation FUSO eCanter electric truck will showcase multiple models during IAA. The new-generation eCanter garbage collection truck, with a gross weight of 8.55 tons, features a KAOUSSIS body, equipped with an automatic bin lifter and shaker, integrated bin wash system, and a drum capacity of 4 cubic meters. The rotating drum compresses waste to three-quarters of its original volume. With a wheelbase of just 3,400 mm and a short upper structure overhang, this carbon-neutral light truck is particularly flexible and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for urban applications. FUSO will also display another new-generation eCanter at the IAA booth, with a gross weight of 8.55 tons and a wheelbase of 4,450 mm, featuring a box body with enhanced safety and comfort. Standard features include the sixth-generation Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BSIS), Intelligent Speed Assistant, and Attention Assist.
Karl Deppen, Daimler Trucks board member responsible for Daimler Truck Asia, stated, “As a pioneer in electric transportation, the FUSO eCanter has already proven its versatility in local carbon-neutral transport. The eCanter is currently available in 38 markets and has demonstrated its ability to serve global customers on a daily basis, proving that electric transport is viable. With over 100 models available, covering 85% of traditional use cases, the eCanter can meet a wide variety of customer needs.”
Hydrogen Power Technology as a Complement to Battery-Powered Trucks
Daimler Trucks believes that in addition to pure electric trucks, hydrogen power technology can serve as a flexible decarbonization solution, particularly in demanding scenarios like heavy-duty long-haul transportation that require greater flexibility. The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck was showcased at the 2024 IAA. Last year, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 prototype, which was cleared for road testing, completed a record-breaking journey in Germany, covering 1,047 kilometers on a single liquid hydrogen refuel, proving the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen for actual road freight transportation.
After undergoing rigorous testing on both test tracks and public roads, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck has entered the next phase of development, being delivered to the first customer fleets for real-world application testing. Daimler Trucks recently partnered with Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS, and Wiedmann & Winz to conduct initial tests with five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks. For customers, the year-long early testing phase will give them first-hand experience in transporting with hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Meanwhile, Daimler Trucks’ development team will gain valuable insights from the real-world operation of liquid hydrogen trucks, understanding specific customer needs and incorporating these into future series development.
Martin Daum stated, “Over the past few years, through our extensive electric truck and bus portfolio, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck, and various partnerships, we have demonstrated that our dual-track strategy is progressing steadily—pursuing both pure electric and hydrogen power technologies. Both technologies offer unique advantages, and our customers will need both. Therefore, it is important that policymakers and the energy sector provide more support, particularly for hydrogen-powered solutions, such as building infrastructure compatible with commercial vehicles and ensuring cost parity for our customers.”
Actros L Debuts at the Show: Futuristic Design and High-Performance Engine
Mercedes-Benz Trucks remains one of the leaders in conventional-powered trucks, with the new Actros L making its debut at IAA. It features a futuristic exterior design, optimized aerodynamics, enhanced comfort features, a high-performance engine, superior handling, and advanced assistance systems. The longer front end and other aerodynamic enhancements can help save up to 3% in fuel.
Now, the optimized drivetrain, comprising the G291-12 transmission and RAR 2.278d rear axle, supports select models. This not only significantly enhances the driving experience, especially during acceleration on slopes and when reducing speed, but also lowers the RPM at 80 km/h, resulting in a quieter and more pleasant drive. This contributes to further reducing fuel consumption.
About the eActros 600 and the 2024 European Test Tour of the eActros 600
In July of this year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks successfully completed the “2024 European Test Tour of the eActros 600.” The test tour officially began on June 11 in Frankfurt, lasting 45 days, with two near-production prototypes of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks safely arriving in Woerth. One truck covered 15,269 kilometers, while the other truck traveled 15,939 kilometers.
This test provided the company with valuable experience across various routes, terrains, and climate zones, and offered important energy consumption data. The company plans to share these findings with interested customers.
The eActros 600 operated under average climate conditions ranging from 11 to 33 degrees Celsius, with an average daily speed between 52 and 82 kilometers per hour.
The experience of charging at public charging stations varied. In many cases, charging infrastructure was primarily designed for passenger cars, so developers had to detach the semi-trailer. On the other hand, they also visited advanced truck charging stations.
For approximately 60% of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ European customers, long-haul trips are shorter than 500 kilometers, meaning that charging infrastructure at some locations and loading points could suffice. For other scenarios, the continued expansion of public charging infrastructure is critical for the use of electric trucks in long-haul transport across Europe.
In addition to up to 400 kW CCS charging, the eActros 600 will also support Megawatt Charging (MCS) in the future. In April of this year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ developers successfully charged an eActros 600 prototype using a 1-megawatt charging station at the Woerth development and testing center. Customers will be able to order MCS pre-installed. MCS technology is expected to be available on some models of the eActros 600. At suitable charging stations with an output of around 1 megawatt, the battery can charge from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes .
The eActros 600 is equipped with three battery packs, each with a capacity of 207 kWh , for a total capacity (installed battery capacity) of 621 kWh. It uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, known for its long lifespan. Mercedes-Benz Trucks engineers designed the eActros 600 to meet the same durability requirements as traditional heavy-duty long-haul Actros trucks, ensuring that the battery will retain more than 80% of its health after running for 1.2 million kilometers over ten years. Compared to other battery technologies, LFP technology allows for over 95% utilization of the installed battery capacity, achieving longer ranges with the same battery capacity. The eActros 600 is technically designed to support a gross weight of up to 44 tons. Using standard semi-trailers, the eActros 600 has a payload capacity of around 22 tons in the EU. In certain cases, national laws may allow for a higher payload.
Visually, this all-electric long-haul truck features a brand-new exterior design with clean, sleek lines and upgraded aerodynamics. The core concept of the all-electric long-haul Mercedes-Benz truck is to provide customers with a complete transportation solution that includes truck technology, consulting, charging infrastructure, and services.
Flexible Production of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600 at the Woerth Plant
The eActros 600 will be produced on the existing production line at the Woerth plant, alongside diesel-powered trucks in flexible production. Once all the high-voltage components have been assembled through a series of production processes and the system is activated, the truck can leave the production line. To fully prepare for mass production, the entire production ramp-up team works closely with engineers to ensure that the experience gained from prototype development is incorporated into the further development of the truck.
Daimler Truck Financial Services is Committed to Becoming an Integrated Service Provider for Electric Vehicles
Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) is evolving from a purely financial services provider into an integrated service provider for electric vehicles. Together with Daimler Truck Group and its partners, DTFS aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the deployment of zero-emission vehicles by offering one-stop solutions that include vehicle financing, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and electricity contracts. Through this transformation, DTFS has opened new growth opportunities in areas such as charging, infrastructure financing, insurance, payment solutions, and leasing.
Daimler Truck Financial Services (DTFS) is evolving from a purely financial services provider into an integrated service provider for electric vehicles. Along with Daimler Truck Group and its partners, DTFS aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the deployment of zero-emission vehicles by offering one-stop solutions including vehicle financing, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and electricity contracts. Through this transformation, DTFS is opening new growth opportunities in areas such as charging, infrastructure financing, insurance, payment solutions, and leasing.
[1] The eActros 600 has three battery packs, each with a capacity of 207 kWh. The total installed battery capacity is 621 kWh. Based on internal definitions, the nominal capacity of the new batteries may vary depending on usage and environmental conditions.
[2] The assumption is that during long-haul operation, at an outdoor temperature of 20°C, and with a total trailer weight of 40 tons, the internal data obtained under specific test conditions may differ from the values defined by EU Regulation No. 2017/2400.
[3] The average total driving consumption of the 2024 eActros 600 European test tour (distance traveled 15,269 kilometers, 40 tons gross weight); the near-production prototype’s overall configuration is designed to maximize efficiency, with rolling resistance-optimized tires currently being tested (planned for 2025 release) and an economical driving style.
[4] Based on internal simulations, the binding unified Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard is currently under development.
[5] According to internally defined limitations, the nominal capacity of the new batteries may vary depending on usage and environmental conditions.
