On September 16, 2024, the highly anticipated leading event in the commercial vehicle industry, the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany (hereafter referred to as the IAA Show), kicked off its opening day: Press Day. During the Media Day, Daimler Truck presented a complete lineup of exhibits, covering trucks, buses, and more, spanning multiple brands under its umbrella, including Mercedes-Benz and FUSO. In today’s article, let’s take a closer look at Mercedes-Benz brand’s truck exhibits and dive into Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ future strategy.
In 2014, the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 concept made its official debut. This concept vehicle envisioned the future of autonomous transportation, showcasing Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ forward-looking vision and technologies. In addition to autonomous driving technology, the Future Truck 2025 also introduced a brand-new low-drag futuristic design and brought electronic rearview mirrors to the forefront, leading the development trend of future trucks. In 2018, with the release of the New Actros, Mercedes-Benz became the first company in the industry to mass-produce SAE Level 2 driving assistance trucks, and the MirrorCam electronic rearview mirrors were implemented, no longer confined to concept vehicles.
Time flies. In the blink of an eye, 2024 is already here, and the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 concept has become a product of the past decade. Today, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ technology has rapidly evolved, and the cutting-edge explorations and visions of the Future Truck 2025 concept are gradually becoming a reality. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is reassessing the future and laying the foundation for development in the next decade.
On October 10, 2023, Mercedes-Benz officially launched its first heavy-duty long-haul electric truck, the eActros 600, which is also one of the highlights of this year’s IAA Show. According to data, about two-thirds of Europe’s heavy-duty road freight carbon emissions come from long-haul transportation, making achieving “zero carbon” long-haul transport critical to the carbon neutrality goal. The eActros 600 derives its name from its battery system: the vehicle is equipped with three battery packs, each with a capacity of 207 kWh, for a total installed capacity of 621 kWh, enabling a single-charge range of 500 kilometers.
With the release of the eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck, Mercedes-Benz introduced a brand-new vehicle platform. It adopts a futuristic design, with a closed front grille as a core element, and is adorned with elements such as matrix LED headlights, conveying a sense of technology in a minimalist way. The streamlined design significantly reduces the vehicle’s drag, improving NVH performance, reducing energy consumption, and extending the range. This exterior design is in line with the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 concept, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s technical depth, forward development, and commitment to continuous innovation.
The optional matrix LED headlights enhance the futuristic feel of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. Integrated radar sensors provide additional safety functions while maintaining the vehicle’s smooth appearance and creating lower air resistance.
The secret behind the long range of the eActros 600 lies in its integrated electric drive axle. For heavy-duty long-haul electric truck applications, Mercedes-Benz developed a new electric drive axle for the eActros 600, offering high integration, high transmission efficiency, and lightweight advantages. It integrates dual motors and a four-speed transmission, with a peak power output of 600 kW (816 hp) and continuous power of 400 kW (544 hp), providing strong acceleration, excellent driving comfort, and dynamic performance
Moreover, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck is built on an 800V high-voltage platform, bringing extremely high energy efficiency to the vehicle, further extending its range. Currently, the eActros 600 offers 400 kW CCS fast charging and plans to offer 1 MW super fast charging in the future. Even without using MCS megawatt fast charging, the eActros 600 can still achieve the goal of traveling 1,000 kilometers per day.
This summer, two near-production eActros 600 prototype test vehicles successfully completed the most extensive road test journey in Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ history. The 40-ton prototypes traveled over 15,000 kilometers across 22 European countries over seven weeks, relying solely on public charging stations. Data shows that during this European test journey, the eActros 600 prototypes achieved an average energy consumption of 103 kWh per 100 kilometers, equivalent to about 10 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers—an achievement almost impossible for traditional diesel trucks.
In several legs of the road test, the eActros 600 was able to achieve a theoretical range of over 600 kilometers on a single charge, with the energy recovery system offsetting about 25% of the driving power. Additionally, the durability of the eActros 600 matches that of its diesel counterpart, with battery health remaining above 80% even after 10 years/1.2 million kilometers of operation.
In addition to the tractor version, Mercedes-Benz also showcased a 6×2 chassis version of the eActros 600 at this year’s IAA Show, designed for heavy-duty distribution applications. It shares similar configurations with the tractor version. Thanks to its futuristic exterior design, cutting-edge digital technologies, and robust electric performance, the eActros 600 has also been awarded the “International Truck of the Year 2025” (ITOY 2025), one of the most prestigious honors in the commercial vehicle industry. The entire eActros 600 series will enter mass production in November this year, and we look forward to witnessing its powerful capabilities.
At this year’s IAA Show, Mercedes-Benz also brought us another cutting-edge exhibit: the next-generation Actros L, the second-generation Actros L. It shares the new platform with the eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck, and together they form Mercedes-Benz’s “twin stars” in both electric and traditional diesel power. The technologies and concepts brought by the next-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros L are ahead of their time, both in Europe and globally, and we look forward to its early introduction to China
The next-generation Actros L continues the futuristic exterior design that has been consistent since the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 concept, combined with matrix LED headlights and other features that enhance the vehicle’s technological feel. As a pioneer and leader in truck electronic mirror technology, Mercedes-Benz first introduced this feature on the Future Truck 2025 concept and implemented it on the New Actros in 2018. Now, ten years later, Mercedes-Benz has fully matured its second-generation MirrorCam electronic rearview mirror system, which is also featured on the next-generation Actros L model
The second-generation MirrorCam electronic rearview mirror system is equipped on the new generation Actros L model.
Like the eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck, the new generation Actros L also adopts the same next-generation vehicle platform, introducing the all-new ProCabin low-drag cab. Its front end is extended by 80 millimeters, creating a more streamlined “wedge-like” structure. Based on this, the cab’s sealing has been improved; deflectors were added to the undercarriage; and structures like the bumper and sun visor have been optimized. Additionally, wind deflectors were added to the outside of the A-pillars, reducing the drag coefficient by 9% compared to the previous generation cab, resulting in a 3% improvement in fuel economy for the new generation Actros L.
The ProCabin cab offers multiple roof heights, retaining familiar models like the StreamSpace and GigaSpace from the previous generation. The lower entry steps and wheel arches are no longer connected to the cab but are integrated into the chassis, making the chassis and cab more independent structures. Black rubber flaps were added to the lower end of the deflector and the upper side of the chassis skirts, creating a tighter connection between the vehicle and trailer, further reducing drag.
In terms of the powertrain, the new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros L adopts a traditional diesel powertrain, forming a hybrid matrix lineup together with the eActros 600. The third-generation OM 471 engine is the primary configuration, with optimized components such as pistons, cylinder heads, and the fuel injection system. The compression ratio has been increased from 18.3:1 to 20:1. Combined with a peak pressure of up to 250 bar, this allows for more efficient combustion of every drop of fuel.
Mercedes-Benz has designed two different turbochargers for the third-generation OM 471 engine. One is aimed at highway applications for better fuel efficiency, while the other is designed for engineering transport and other uses, delivering more robust power output. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has designed a new exhaust after-treatment system, a new generation of oil pressure control valves, and uses low-viscosity oil to improve durability and reduce internal engine friction. Besides the third-generation OM 471 engine, the smaller displacement OM 470 series and the larger OM 473 series can also be installed in the new generation Actros L, with a maximum horsepower of 625 and maximum torque of 3,000 Nm, expanding the overall power combination
With the debut of the new generation Actros L, Mercedes-Benz also introduced a new transmission combination, including the G291-12 gearbox and the RAR 2.278d rear axle. With optimized gear ratios and faster shifting, the new transmission significantly improves the driving experience, offering quieter operation and lower engine speeds during cruising. With the optimized gear ratio combination, the vehicle’s cruising speed can further drop to 80 KM/H, enhancing its versatility.
In terms of interior design, the new generation Actros L continues the multimedia cockpit concept from before, with further optimized and upgraded details, delivering a luxury feel comparable to passenger vehicles, full of technology and futuristic elements.
The highly praised SoloStar single-occupant living cabin interior package has also been retained, with the removal of the passenger seat and the addition of a foldable lower bunk, providing a richer living space for solo drivers.
Vehicle undergoing development and testing.
The industry’s first mass-produced Level 2 driver assistance system, ADA 2, is also included. This system helps drivers maintain the vehicle in the designated lane and automatically controls speed, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Multiple active safety features, such as the sixth-generation Active Brake Assist (ABA 6), the second-generation Active SideGuard Assist (ASGA2), and others, are installed. These features, combined with Daimler’s latest generation sensor fusion platform, use sensors placed throughout the vehicle and a more powerful computing platform to detect driving hazards. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz PPC powertrain predictive cruise control is also present, utilizing various types of information to proactively adjust the powertrain, achieving superior energy planning with a 3% fuel-saving performance.
The eActros 600 and the new generation Actros L are equipped with an increasingly advanced mechatronic architecture, processing data 20 times faster than before. In addition to enhancing the functions of new safety systems, such as the sixth-generation Active Brake Assist (ABA 6) and Active SideGuard Assist 2 (ASGA 2), the new models also improve driver comfort and connectivity. This includes the second-generation Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 and Connected Traffic Warnings, which detect and forward hazard alerts to nearby vehicles. In the future, many features are expected to be activated via over-the-air (OTA) updates. To fully leverage the advantages of software and achieve potential significant advancements, it is necessary to reduce the number of decentralized control units with different operating systems and completely redefine the mechatronic architecture.
Daimler Trucks has established a joint venture with Volvo Trucks to co-develop the next generation of a “software-defined vehicle platform.” This represents Daimler Trucks’ vision for highly intelligent software-defined commercial vehicles over the next decade. This technological revolution will be integrated into the group’s brand portfolio and drive technologies. Through this technology, companies can provide trucks with differentiated onboard software, enabling trucks to receive regular updates, just like smartphones, continually improving without the need for hardware modifications, essentially becoming “smartphones on wheels.”
In addition to pure electric trucks, Daimler believes that hydrogen-powered technology can serve as a flexible decarbonization solution, especially for demanding and flexible scenarios in heavy-duty long-haul transport. This is why Mercedes-Benz developed the GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell heavy truck, which uses liquid hydrogen as “fuel” instead of the gaseous hydrogen commonly seen in other hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Mercedes-Benz, in collaboration with industrial gas giant Linde, co-developed subcooled liquid hydrogen technology. Compared to traditional gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen has a much higher energy density. With the same volume, liquid hydrogen trucks can achieve a longer range. In actual tests by Mercedes-Benz, the GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell heavy truck achieved a range of 1,047 kilometers on a single refuel, with performance comparable to that of diesel trucks.
The GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell heavy truck is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells developed by CellCentric, a joint venture between Daimler and Volvo. These cells are placed under the cab in the space originally reserved for the diesel engine. The vehicle carries two sets of hydrogen fuel cells, each with a power output of 150kW, for a total power output of 300kW. Hydrogen storage tanks are located on both sides of the chassis, with each tank holding 44 kilograms of hydrogen, for a total of 88 kilograms. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a 70kW power battery, and together, the three systems can deliver a peak power output of 400kW to handle high-power scenarios like rapid acceleration and starting
The Mercedes-Benz eEconic, an all-electric low-entry truck fitted with a refuse truck body, also made an appearance at this year’s IAA exhibition. This model is designed for special operations such as in cities and airports. Like the eActros 300, the Mercedes-Benz eEconic 300 also utilizes under-chassis battery mounting, further optimizing the space beneath the chassis. Each battery pack has a capacity of 112kWh, and the eEconic is equipped with three such packs. To protect the batteries, protective plates are installed beneath the battery packs, and the side skirts of the vehicle have been specially designed to avoid impacts that could compromise battery safety.
Looking at the exhibits Mercedes-Benz brought to this year’s IAA, it’s clear that decarbonization and digitization have become the main themes in the development of Mercedes-Benz trucks. In response to the industry’s needs for the next decade, Mercedes-Benz has taken the lead, presenting a high-standard and confident answer, charging ahead on the road to the future. Thank you for reading this article! There are more cutting-edge exhibits at this year’s IAA exhibition, so if you don’t want to miss them, be sure to follow us!
