Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Munich – At IFAT 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for water, wastewater, waste, and resource management, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will present a comprehensive portfolio of vehicle solutions for municipal operations and the circular economy from May 4 to 7. With a total of eleven vehicles, the manufacturer will demonstrate how everyday municipal tasks can be handled efficiently and confidently.

The focus of the exhibition in Hall C6 at Booth 451 will be a Unimog U 530 and the two battery-electric vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz eEconic 400 and Mercedes-Benz eActros 400 (second-generation). In addition, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is presenting a battery-electric waste collection vehicle that is partially made from recycled materials and was built as a concept vehicle to accompany a comprehensive study on the circular economy in the commercial vehicle sector involving 32 partners. The trade show presentation is complemented by two vehicles in the outdoor area as well as live demonstrations on the grounds of the Association for work machinery and municipal technology in Germany (VAK).

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is hosting two press events on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Booth 451 in Hall C6. The German press round will take place at 9:00 a.m., followed by an English press round at 11:00 a.m., to which media representatives are cordially invited to the booth. Media representatives are also invited to the presentation of the concept vehicle in the VAK area at 3:00 p.m. on May 4.

Dennis Kinzelmann, CEO Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “At IFAT in Munich, we are showcasing the wide range of variants and the diverse applications of our vehicles for municipal tasks throughout the year—from transport operations in inner-city traffic to snow removal under challenging conditions. In doing so, Mercedes-Benz Trucks underscores the strategic importance of the municipal services segment. We offer customers comprehensive solutions based on battery-electric and conventional drive concepts, and have set ourselves the goal of integrating the requirements of the circular economy more closely in the future.”

Mercedes-Benz eActros 400 for Winter Road Maintenance

A key exhibit at the booth is the new battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 400, which was specifically designed for winter road maintenance and municipal summer operations. The vehicle exemplifies the flexibility, versatility, and wide range of body configurations available for the eActros. In this version, the eActros 400 features a crew cab for up to six people with a raised roof, as well as a particularly robust design with steel bumpers and a movable step.

The body was developed in collaboration with Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH of Passau and includes a Meiller Trigenius three-way tipper, a Palfinger crane behind the cab, and a comprehensive Bucher winter service package consisting of winter service hydraulics, a snow plow, and a spreader.

Particularly noteworthy is the quick-mount front mounting plate, which remains attached to the plow when removed and is not rigidly connected to the chassis. This also results in a weight reduction during non-winter operation.

The second-generation eActros 400 features the key technological characteristics of the eActros 600, which is distinguished in particular by its innovative overall technological concept combining modern drive technology and high energy efficiency. In addition to the in-house developed electric drive axle, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology—known for its long service life and over 95 percent usable battery capacity—and the 800-volt on-board voltage, these features also include the new Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 and comprehensive assistance systems for enhanced safety. The vehicle is equipped with two LFP battery packs, each with a capacity of 207 kWh^[1], which together provide 414 kWh of installed battery capacity. With two battery packs, the eActros 400 has a range of up to 480 kilometers, depending on the application^[2].

For crash safety, the batteries are not mounted directly on the frame but are positioned under the vehicle for protection. The two battery packs were moved further back specifically for this vehicle to achieve optimal weight balance for the snow plow—an example of the high flexibility in vehicle design. Handling is enhanced by a steered trailing axle, which ensures high maneuverability—a clear advantage in tight municipal applications.

For winter service, the vehicle is additionally equipped with snow chains, protective grilles, and two backup cameras with a water spray connection. The integrated Bucher winter service hydraulic system with a 4-circuit system, which was also installed by Paul, allows for the use of existing plows and spreaders.

When it comes to road safety, the eActros 400 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology: With systems such as ABA 6 Plus, Active Sideguard Assist (automatically deactivated during snowplow operations), and Front Guard Assist (automatically deactivated during winter service operations), the vehicle offers a high level of protection for the driver and the surrounding area.

Mercedes-Benz eEconic 400 with additional battery pack

Also on display in Hall C6 is a Mercedes-Benz eEconic 400. Compared to the eEconic 300, this vehicle is equipped with an additional fourth battery pack. It also features a powerful loading crane and a hooklift system, underlining the broad range of configurations available for the eEconic and its suitability for diverse municipal applications.

In this configuration, the vehicle is designed as a crane-based collection truck used for emptying underground containers (including those for used glass) as well as for collecting green waste. The front axle is rated for loads of up to nine tonnes, enabling crane operation directly behind the cab even with a long wheelbase. A steered trailing axle further enhances manoeuvrability in urban environments.

The body was built by SAWO A/S. The vehicle is specifically intended for operation with a Danish customer.

Powerful Unimog implement carrier for all-year operation

The Unimog U 530 complements the portfolio as a versatile implement carrier designed for year-round operation. In cooperation with bodybuilder Eggers Fahrzeugbau GmbH, this vehicle was developed for municipal use at the Municipal Waste Management Authority of Magdeburg.

It is equipped with a Jotha hooklift system for containers according to DIN 30720 and a Palfinger crane with clamshell grab. Powered by a 220 kW (299 hp) engine and designed for a gross vehicle weight of 16.5 tonnes, the Unimog combines high power for efficient use of auxiliary drives with strong payload capability. A key feature is the integrated UNI-TOUCH® operating system, which enables intuitive control of complex work processes via a swivelling touchscreen, significantly reducing driver workload in daily operation.

The Unimog implement carrier complies with the EU General Safety Regulation II (GSR II), providing enhanced driver assistance and improved safety for all road users. Standard features include Sideguard Assist, Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, a reversing camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring warning system.

In Magdeburg, the vehicle is used for the removal of illegally dumped waste and is also deployed off-road. In addition, it supports the municipal fleet in winter service operations. A Schmidt spreader can be mounted on the Jotha hooklift system, enabling fast changeovers between spreading and container transport throughout the winter season.

Arocs and eEconic in the outdoor area

In the outdoor exhibition area, Mercedes-Benz Trucks also focuses on practical municipal applications. The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3148 AK 6x4/4 displayed in front of the hall, equipped with winter service equipment, crane and tipper, is a customer vehicle from the Rhineland-Palatinate Mobility Authority (LBM RLP), demonstrating the year-round versatility of this model series.

For demanding winter service applications, it uses a Bucher load-sensing municipal hydraulic system, complemented by a customer-specific hydraulic oil filtration system and a removable front mounting plate. This modular design enables maximum flexibility in both summer and winter operation.

The vehicle is a hooklift configuration, which can also accommodate a three-way tipper and is presented at the trade fair with a spreader for motorway winter service. It is also designed for use with a snow plough. The 3148 LAK 6x4/4 configuration with steered first and last axle and driven front axles ensures excellent traction combined with high manoeuvrability. A hydraulically steered trailing axle further improves handling.

The technical modifications were carried out by Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH, which serves as the exclusive conversion partner for this vehicle. Paul handles all conversion work, ensuring an efficient process and fast delivery. After the trade fair, the vehicle will enter service with LBM Rhineland-Palatinate as planned.

Next to it is a Mercedes-Benz eEconic 300, which achieves a kerb weight of around nine tonnes thanks to its weight-optimised design. This provides particularly favourable conditions for high payload capacity in battery-electric low-entry trucks, such as those required in urban waste collection.

Although legislation for alternative powertrains generally allows a higher gross vehicle weight, axle load limits remain unchanged. This can present a challenge in practice, particularly in rear-heavy applications such as waste collection vehicles. The exhibited eEconic addresses this with a particularly low kerb weight.

The eEconic is displayed without a body to provide direct insight into the battery-electric drivetrain and underlying powertrain architecture of the first generation of Mercedes-Benz Trucks battery-electric vehicles.

Circular economy concept vehicle

Mercedes-Benz Trucks, FAUN Umwelttechnik and TSR Group, together with 30 partners from industry and the recycling sector, are presenting a concept vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz eEconic at IFAT. It demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability in commercial vehicle manufacturing by combining battery-electric drive technology with material and production processes designed for a circular economy.

The project shows how resources can be conserved and material loops closed more tightly, while procurement, production and recycling are increasingly integrated. The vehicle will be featured in live demonstrations in the outdoor area. A separately built cab, showcasing the range of materials used, will be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks stand.

Additional vehicles in live demonstrations on the VAK course

In addition to the concept vehicle, various other vehicles will be presented in the “Truck in Action” live demonstrations at the VAK site. These include a Unimog U 535 with UNI-TOUCH, a Mulag roadside maintenance cutter and Bucher spreader, a Unimog U 430 with Dücker front mowing combination, a Unimog U 411 classic vehicle with plough and spreader, a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 with Meiller hooklift, and a historic Daimler-Benz L 4500 with FAUN rear loader.

The demonstrations take place several times daily and allow visitors to experience the vehicles in realistic operating conditions.

Panel discussion on circular economy

As part of the panel discussion “From circular design to circular vehicle – how the circular economy is transforming the mobility of the future”, representatives from industry and associations will discuss new approaches to resource-efficient mobility. Participants include Hildegard Müller (President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, VDA), Christian Wilz (CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany), as well as other senior industry representatives.