The Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 4×2, with a range of up to 330km, is being put through its paces in the North Island.

The eActros is focused on heavy-duty, short radius distribution. Development trucks have been at work in select fleets in Europe since 2018. It was the recipient of the 2023 Truck Innovation Award by the International Truck of the Year jury.

It is the first heavy-duty, zero-emission truck from Daimler and follows its launch of the FUSO eCanter as the world’s first series-produced electric truck, which arrived in New Zealand in 2021.

There are two 4×2 models and three 6×2 options planned for the eActros range in major markets. It runs lithium-iron phosphate cell (LFP) battery technology, and features an electric axle (e-axle) with two motors that provide continuous output of 330kW and maximum output of 400kW.

The eActros is going through an evaluation phase ahead of its release in New Zealand. Daimler Truck and the dealer network will provide updates on availability once the evaluation phase is complete.

“The eActros is packed with next-generation battery-powered technology, alongside advanced safety and driver assistance systems, plus online performance monitoring and data collection,” said Matt Gillatt, alternative fuels transition manager for Keith Andrews.

“It really is the next-level for heavy-duty e-vehicles, enabling reliable performance over an extended range and charging from 20% to 80% in an hour with a standard DC fast charge.

“From a technical support and service point of view, it has been great for myself and some of our team to continue our learning in this area, as we prepare to support customers in transitioning into electric vehicles.”

The same features that helped the diesel Actros win the 2020 International Truck of the Year award will also be available in the electric version. These include Active Brake Assist 5, Electronic Stability Control, SideGuard Assist, MirrorCam, and Predictive Powertrain Control.

James Hudson-Owen, brand manager – Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner at Keith Andrews, described it is “an incredibly exciting development for Mercedes-Benz customers in New Zealand” and anticipated that operators would be “suitably impressed by its capabilities as a battery-powered, zero-emission truck”.

“Keith Andrews is proud and excited to be involved in bringing this next-generation truck to New Zealand and facilitating this important first step of validation testing,” he said.