The trucking industry is facing a significant shift as electric vehicles are becoming more viable and attractive than ever before. Electric trucks offer many advantages over conventional diesel trucks, such as lower emissions, noise, operating costs, and performance. However, one of the main challenges that electric trucks have to overcome is range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery power before reaching the destination or a charging station. This is especially relevant for long-haul transport, which requires trucks to travel long distances with heavy loads.
Fortunately, a new electric truck promises to solve this problem and revolutionize the long-haul segment. This truck is the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, which was officially unveiled by Daimler Truck on October 10, 2023. The eActros 600 is the latest and most advanced member of the eActros family of electric semi-trailer trucks, including the eActros 200 and the eActros 400. The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 stands out for its incredible range of up to 660 miles on a single charge, which is comparable to diesel trucks and surpasses any other electric truck in the market. We will explore how the eActros 600 achieves such a remarkable range, how it compares with other electric trucks, and when it will be available for customers.
The secret behind the eActros 600's long-range
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 owes its impressive range to its high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt-hours, which is why it is named 600. The truck features three individual battery packs that are mounted on the frame behind the cab, under the fifth wheel coupling, and between the axles. Each battery pack consists of lithium-iron-phosphate cells, which are more durable and safer than conventional lithium-ion cells. Lithium-iron-phosphate cells have a longer lifespan and higher thermal stability, which means they can withstand higher temperatures and pressures without catching fire or exploding. They also have a higher energy density and a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they can store more energy and lose less over time.
The batteries of the eActros 600 can be charged at rates of up to 400 kilowatts using a Combined Charging System (CCS) charger, which is the standard charging protocol for electric vehicles in Europe and North America. However, the electric truck can also support faster charging using a megawatt charger, a new technology developed by Daimler Truck in collaboration with other partners. A megawatt charger can deliver up to one megawatt of power to the truck's batteries, equivalent to 1,000 kilowatts or 1.34 million horsepower. According to Daimler Truck, using a megawatt charger can reduce the charging time of the eActros 600 from 20% to 80%, from about an hour to about 30 minutes. This means that the truck can replenish its energy during mandatory driver breaks, allowing it to complete long-distance trips without intermediate charging.
The eActros 600 also benefits from a new and efficient electric drive axle that was developed in-house by Daimler Truck. The truck is driven by two electric motors that are mounted on a single axle and connected to a four-speed automatic transmission. The motors deliver a continuous output of 536 horsepower and a temporary peak of 804 horsepower. The engines also provide high torque at low speeds, which is ideal for heavy-duty applications. The truck also features two power take-offs, one mechanical and one electric (AC or DC), which can be used to power auxiliary equipment or trailers.