Daimler shows off new applications of eActros at the IAA

Mercedes-Benz Trucks presented a range of new applications for the battery-electric eActros currently on display in Hanover. Presentations included using the eActros as a semitrailer tractor and an electric auxiliary drive solution, for example for skip and roll-off tippers.

The tractor unit is based on the same technology as the eActros 300 as a solo vehicle or articulated vehicle. It is equipped with an electric rigid axle with two integrated electric motors and two-speed transmission. The motors are mounted centrally on the rear axle and generate a continuous output of 330 kW and a peak output of 400 kW. Three battery packs each offer an installed capacity of 112 kWh. The range is given as up to 220 kilometres. As is known, this can be increased by recuperation.

The battery-electric tractor unit can be charged with up to 160 kW. At a DC fast charging station with 400 A charging current, it takes just over an hour to charge the three batteries from 20 to 80 per cent. The start of series production of the eActros as a tractor unit is scheduled for the second half of 2023.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has also installed the eWorX all-in-one solution developed by ZF in an eActros together with a roll-off tipper from Meiller and a skip loader from Palfinger. “The aim is to efficiently electrify power take-offs for the operation of hydraulic work equipment such as skip or roll-off tippers, cranes or lifting platforms,” the manufacturer said in a statement.

The eWorX system from ZF integrates components such as the electric drive, inverter, electronic control unit as well as application-specific software modules in a plug-and-work-one-box solution and establishes the connection between the vehicle’s energy management and the body, Mercedes-Benz Trucks explains. Here, the traction battery of the eActros provides electrical energy to the ZF system with the help of a DC interface, whereby the e-motor of eWorX in turn drives the hydraulic pump for the skip or roll-off tipper, for example. A mechanical connection to the traction motor is therefore not necessary.

Another body variant for the eActros is a refrigerated box from Kiesling. For greater efficiency, the highly insulated refrigerated body has a cool-slide partition, which reduces the energy requirement of the refrigeration unit driven by the eActros’ ePTO by up to 40 percent, thus extending the range of the e-truck.

The recently presented new generation of the all-electric Fuso eCanter light truck also celebrated its European premiere at the trade fair. As part of the IAA Transportation, Daimler Truck also allowed selected visitors to take a ride in its fuel cell truck GenH2 Truck and demonstrated its refuelling at a Shell station in Laatzen near the exhibition grounds.

Another highlight at the fair was the concept prototype of the eActros LongHaul. The 40-tonne truck will demonstrate up to 600 kWh battery capacity and a good 600 kW peak power. Find out more here.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to further expand its portfolio of medium-duty battery-electric vehicles for distribution transport. The manufacturer is already working on the eAtego, which is to be launched on the market in the coming years.

With reporting by Domenico Sciurti, Germany.

daimlertruck.com, daimlertruck.com (Fuso eCanter), daimlertruck.com (GenH2)