Daimler Truck previewed a battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 tractor unit last week at the IAA Transportation conference. The trade show, previously known as IAA Commercial Vehicles, was held in Hannover, Germany.
Designed for heavy-duty distribution, the zero-emissions eActros 300 tractor has a range of up to 220 kilometres (137 miles) per battery charge. It should enter production in the second half of 2023, Mercedes says.
The manufacturer also highlighted other applications for the three-battery eActros 300 and four-battery eActros 400, powered by an electric power take-off (ePTO) option.
The eActros 300 Tractor
Mercedes says the battery-powered eActros features impressive acceleration, regenerative range extension, and quiet operation. Each of its three or four battery packs have a capacity of 112 kilowatt-hours (97 kWh usable). The four-battery eActros 400 can travel up to 400 km (249 mi) on a charge.
The eActros 300 with an M-style cab can pull all standard European semi-trailers without exceeding the maximum permissible total length, according to Mercedes. Its batteries can be charged with up to 160 kilowatts. It takes the eActros 300 just over an hour to charge from 20% to 80% at a typical 400-ampere DC fast-charging station.
The electric drive unit of the eActros consists of a rigid axle with two integrated, centrally mounted motors, along with a two-speed transmission. The liquid-cooled motors produce a continuous output of 330 kW (443 horsepower) and a peak output of 400 kW (536 HP). Mercedes says the electric-drive eActros is more comfortable to drive than a conventional diesel truck.
The eActros features an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System to meet legal requirements, a Sideguard Assist turning assistant, and fifth-generation Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection. It also comes with the second-generation MirrorCam side mirror replacement system. Introduced in April 2022, the latest MirrorCam has camera arms that are 100 millimetres (3.9 inches) shorter and optimised video parameters for a more realistic image.
Electric PTO Option
Mercedes also previewed the eActros 300 and 400 in other configurations with a quiet, efficient eWorX ePTO solution by ZF. The all-in-one electric PTO unit takes DC energy from the vehicle’s traction battery and uses it to power things such as a Meiller hook loader, a Palfinger skip loader, or a Kiesling refrigerated box with a sliding partition wall. The ZF eWorX connects to the vehicle’s energy management system and body via CAN bus.
Mercedes’ Fleetboard Portal can use telematics to log location and status information on its eActros and other commercial vehicles with electric drivetrains. The Fleetboard Portal also provides individual charge management and can create charging profiles for various situations. The company and its partners also offer consultation on charging infrastructure, route planning, and other aspects of electric truck integration into a fleet.
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Source: Mercedes-Benz