Daimler Truck is previewing a number of battery-electric Mercedes-Benz commercial trucks at the IAA Transportation conference (formerly IAA Commercial Vehicles) in Hannover, Germany, from 20 to 25 September. Show attendees will have the chance to see a concept prototype of the upcoming eActros LongHaul heavy-duty tractor with a 500-kilometre (311-mile) range on a single battery charge, plus the eActros 300 electric tractor unit with 220 km (137 mi) of range. Mercedes is also announcing its new eAtego electric truck for the medium-duty market, as well as prototypes of the hydrogen fuel cell-driven GenH2 Truck with a range of 1,000 km (621 mi).
“Since the last IAA four years ago, we have moved forward at full speed with the transition to CO2-neutral transport,” says Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum. “This year we already have eight pure battery-electric, series-production vehicles in our portfolio. However, it’s not enough just to offer the right vehicles. Our customers also need the suitable infrastructure. We are active here at a wide variety of levels. For a rapid build-up, it is essential that the entire industry and governments pull together.”
The Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul
Mercedes seeks to bring long-distance hauling within reach of battery-electric transport with the 500-km eActros LongHaul. The manufacturer plans to test the truck on public roads this year with the goal of series production starting in 2024. Mercedes will offer the LongHaul in both tractor and rigid form.
The LongHaul’s three battery packs combine for more than 600 kWh of capacity. They are compatible with 1-megawatt charging, during which they can be charged from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. The batteries use lithium iron phosphate cell technology (also known as LFP for lithium ferro phosphate) for longer service life and greater available energy.
Two electric motors drive the LongHaul as part of a new e-axle. The motors are rated for of 400 kilowatts (536 horsepower) of continuous output and more than 600 kW (805 HP) of peak output.
Mercedes aims to engineer the truck to the same durability standards as its other long haulers, namely 1.2 million km (745,600 mi) of road operation over a 10-year period. Contoured and sporting a distinctive front LED strip, the eActros LongHaul will be built entirely at the truck plant in Wörth, Germany, a first for Mercedes.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 300
With 336 kWh of capacity in its three battery packs, the Mercedes eActros 300 tractor has the same technological base as the company’s existing eActros 300/400 rigid truck. Designed for heavy-duty distribution work, the eActros 300 can pull all standard European semi-trailers without exceeding the maximum permissible total length, according to Mercedes.
As mentioned above, the eActros 300 will have a range of up to 220 km per charge. Series production should begin a bit sooner than for the LongHaul, with a start scheduled for the second half of 2023.
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck
By 2030, Daimler Truck sales wants to be able to say that 60% of its commercial vehicles sold in EU30 markets are CO2-neutral to drive. The company envisions a goal of a carbon-neutral road transportation system by 2050.
In the second half of the 2020s, Daimler will begin to produce series of hydrogen fuel-cell trucks. Prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck are currently undergoing testing on the track as well as on public roads. The company has a development goal of a 1,000-km (621-mi) range for the zero-emissions trucks, as well as for an ecosystem of consulting, charging infrastructure, and services.
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Source: Mercedes-Benz