Mercedes-Benz Trucks has unveiled the series version of its first battery-electric long-haul truck.

With this heavy-duty electric truck, the manufacturer said it plans to define the new standard in road freight transport – in terms of technology, sustainability, design and profitability for e-fleet operators.

The eActros 600 has a battery capacity of more than 600kW/h and a new, efficient electric drive axle enables the e-truck to achieve a range of 500km without intermediate charging.

The vehicle, as a result, should be able to travel more than 1000km per day made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks.

In addition to CCS charging with up to 400kW, the eActros 600 will later also enable megawatt charging. From the start of sales, customers can order a pre-installation for this. As soon as MCS technology becomes available and is standardised across manufacturers, it is planned to be retrofittable for these models of the eActros 600.

The batteries can be charged from 20 to 80% in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with an output of around one megawatt. The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tonnes in the EU. In some cases, national law may permit a higher payload.

The start of series production is planned for the end of 2024. In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 right from market launch, offering customers further possible applications for all-electric transport.

A fleet of around fifty prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which are also to be put into practical testing with first customers in a next step.

“The eActros 600 stands for the transformation of road freight transport towards CO₂-neutrality like no other truck with a three-pointed star,” said Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“It is characterised by highly innovative drive technology that can offer our customers particularly high energy efficiency and thus profitability. This makes entry into e-mobility even more attractive for fleet operators.”