Mercedes-Benz Trucks has launched a new phase of practical tests for the eActros, at Logistik Schmitt in the northern Black Forest.

The battery electric eActros has now been approved as a truck-and-trailer combination with a total weight of 40 tonnes. The combination has been handed over to Logistik Schmitt for endurance testing. The vehicle is already available to order for customers in this configuration.

Since the start of testing in 2019, the eActros has covered more than 70,000km on more than 7000 trips. As part this process, it will continue to transport transmission housings and axle components to Daimler Truck plants in Rastatt and Gaggenau as part of a three-shift schedule, covering up to 300km daily in the process.

“Starting an intensive exchange with customers at an early stage is an integral part of our vehicles’ development,” said Steffen Maier, head of customer testing, Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“For this reason, our team has been supporting the practical stage of eActros testing at Logistik Schmitt since 2019. Following the successful launch of series production last October, we are now gradually expanding the range of applications for the eActros. We are looking forward to intensive tests with the battery electric truck-and-trailer combination in the northern Black Forest.

According to legislation, in order to tow trailers over 10 tonnes, tractor vehicles of heavy-duty truck-and-trailer combinations must feature a continuous braking system. In the eActros, this continuous brake system is provided by a trailer brake (High Power Brake Resistor or HPR for short) for battery electric vehicles. At Logistik Schmitt, the eActros 300 (6×2), designed for operation with a trailer, comes equipped with a center-axle Rockinger trailer coupling. The accompanying trailer is a centre-axle trailer with a Junge curtainsider body. With an internal length of 7280mm it boasts a permissible gross weight of 18 tonnes.