Mercedes-Benz Trucks is heralding a new era with the launch of the first electric series production truck with a three-pointed star on the grille.

“We have to acknowledge that transport is part of the problem when it comes to climate change. At the same time, we can and will be part of the solution. We start with our eActros, which has covered more than half a million kilometres on public roads,” says Karin Rådström, Member of the Board of Management at Daimler Truck AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Rådström is convinced of the concept and market potential of the eActros: “The eActros and its dedicated services are a big step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers towards CO₂-neutral transport.”

After Mercedes-Benz Trucks had presented the concept vehicle for a heavy-duty distribution haulage truck for urban areas at the IAA 2016 for Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, practical testing of ten eActros prototypes in co-operation with customers in Germany and other European countries began in 2018. The objective of the "eActros Innovation Fleet" was to launch a series-ready eActros on the market in 2021.

At the technological heart of the eActros is the drive unit with two integrated electric motors along with a two-speed transmission. Both motors provide impressive ride comfort and great vehicle dynamics, while the quiet and emission-free electric drive means the truck can also be used for night deliveries and entry into inner-cities with driving bans for diesel vehicles.

Depending on the version, the eActros draws its power from three or four battery packs – each with a capacity of around 105 kWh. Thanks to a maximum capacity of 420 kWh, a range of up to 400 kilometres is realistic. The eActros can be connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need a little over an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent.

To assist haulage companies step-by-step as they switch to electromobility, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has incorporated the eActros into a comprehensive system that includes consultant and service products for customers and in turn the best possible vehicle utilisation, optimisation of total costs and the setting-up of a charging infrastructure.

From autumn 2021, the series production model will be produced in Mercedes-Benz Trucks' largest truck assembly plant in Wörth am Rhein. In recent months, intensive preparations have been made for the new production processes there. This includes the construction of a new assembly line. In an initial phase, the series-production model of the eActros will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Further markets will follow.