Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Hanover – At IAA Transportation in Hanover (Germany), Mercedes-Benz Trucks is presenting the new eActros Lowliner to a broad audience for the first time. With the latest addition to its battery-electric truck portfolio, the manufacturer is offering a solution specifically designed for high-volume transport applications.

The eActros Lowliner addresses the growing demand for locally CO₂-free transport solutions in high-volume long-haul logistics and creates additional opportunities for freight carriers to electrify their transport operations. The new models will be available for order in the EU30 markets and additional international markets beginning in the third quarter of 2026. Series production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth will start in the second quarter of 2027. Like the current second-generation eActros portfolio, the eActros Lowliner is based on the overall technological concept of the eActros 600, which has been in series production and customer operation since the end of 2024. 

Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: "With the eActros Lowliner, we are bringing the proven and powerful battery and drive technology of the eActros 600 into another important transport segment. The combination of classic Lowliner vehicle concept and our battery-electric technology approach enable our customers to perform high-volume transport tasks economically and locally CO₂-free in the future. In doing so, we are consistently expanding our electric truck portfolio in line with customer requirements and further advancing the electrification of long-haul transport."

Powerful Specifications

The eActros Lowliner is offered as a 4x2 tractor unit with a 4,000 mm wheelbase and a 2.50-meter-wide cab. It matches the fifth-wheel height and ground clearance of comparable diesel trucks. This allows mega trailers to comply with legally permitted overall vehicle heights while providing a maximum interior height of up to three meters for high-volume transport applications. Thanks to its fifth-wheel height aligned with diesel variants, the eActros Lowliner facilitates the integration of battery-electric vehicles into existing transport operations and fleet structures.

The low fifth-wheel height is achieved through a modified integration of the battery packs. Unlike the eActros 600, where the batteries are installed transversely beneath the frame, the battery packs in the eActros Lowliner are mounted longitudinally along the vehicle frame. This requires less installation space beneath the vehicle and enables the particularly low fifth-wheel height.

The eActros Lowliner features Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ in-house developed and proven electric drive axle, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology known for its long service life, and an 800-volt electrical architecture. These are complemented by the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 and a comprehensive range of safety assistance systems⁽¹⁾.

The eActros Lowliner is available with either two or three LFP battery packs, each providing 207 kWh⁽²⁾. This results in an installed battery capacity of 414 kWh⁽²⁾ for the eActros 400 Lowliner and 621 kWh⁽²⁾ for the eActros 600 Lowliner.

The eActros 600 Lowliner offers a range of approximately 500 kilometers⁽³⁾ at full payload. In Lowliner applications, the tires used and the semitrailer have a greater impact on vehicle range than in standard battery-electric trucks. Since high-volume transport operations are often associated with lower gross combination weights, range can increase in these applications. 

With two battery packs, the eActros 400 Lowliner has a lower vehicle weight and therefore provides a higher payload capacity than the eActros 600 Lowliner equipped with three battery packs. Thanks to the reduced vehicle weight, the maximum payload of the eActros 400 Lowliner increases to approximately 24 tons, compared with approximately 21 tons for the eActros 600 Lowliner. 

Fast charging with CCS and MCS

Like all eActros variants, the eActros Lowliner can be charged at up to 400 kW via the standard CCS2 charging socket located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Charging two battery packs from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 46 minutes⁽⁴⁾, while the version with three battery packs requires around 70 minutes⁽⁴⁾.

In addition to CCS charging, both eActros Lowliner variants with two or three battery packs will also support charging according to the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard in the future. This functionality will become available during the second half of 2027 and will enable charging times of less than 30 minutes. For this purpose, an additional MCS charging socket on the left-hand side of the vehicle can be ordered as an option.

When using MCS charging, the eActros Lowliner with two battery packs can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 27 minutes⁽⁵⁾ at charging capacities of up to 700 kW. The variant with three battery packs supports MCS charging at up to 1,000 kW and can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29 minutes⁽⁵⁾.

Efficiency through energy recuperation and predictive control

Like the other vehicles in the eActros portfolio, the eActros Lowliner features the electric drive axle from the eActros 600, combining two electric motors with a four-speed transmission. The electric motors deliver a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of 600 kW. Full motor power is available almost continuously, with virtually no interruption in torque.

Through predictive driving, energy can be recovered via recuperation and stored in the batteries for later use in propulsion. Recuperation also reduces brake wear by decreasing the load on the braking system.

The eActros Lowliner is also equipped with Predictive Powertrain Control, the cruise control and transmission control system specifically optimized for electric drivetrains. This predictive powertrain management system automatically takes topography, road geometry, and traffic signs into account to maximize driving efficiency. 

Enhanced Safety On Board

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is committed to providing drivers with the best possible support in every traffic situation. To achieve this, the second generation of the eActros is equipped with advanced assistance systems⁽¹⁾ capable of detecting hazards at an early stage, warning the driver, and helping to mitigate critical situations.

These capabilities are based on a new electronic platform offering 20 times greater computing power and six sensors that monitor a 270-degree area around the vehicle. Systems such as Active Brake Assist 6 Plus, Active Sideguard Assist 3, Front Guard Assist, and Active Drive Assist 3 further enhance their performance through this technology. In some cases, these assistance systems exceed the requirements of the EU General Safety Regulation. In addition, Attention Assist 2 supports driver alertness using an infrared camera, while Active Brake Assist 6 Plus can respond even faster to critical situations thanks to its enhanced environmental sensing capabilities. 

Aerodynamics and Digital Connectivity

The eActros Lowliner is equipped with the futuristic ProCabin, which has been developed with a strong focus on aerodynamic efficiency to help reduce energy consumption. Its flat floor and spacious interior make it particularly well suited for long-haul operations involving regular overnight stays, while delivering a high level of driver comfort.

Available in Stream, Big, and Giga variants, the cab offers numerous comfort features, including enhanced seat heating, premium flat-weave seat upholstery, and beds equipped with full slatted bases and high-quality mattresses. Additional hallmark features of the ProCabin include extended control panels at the bunk area, atmospheric ambient lighting, and additional gooseneck LED reading lamps. The package is rounded out with USB-C outlets integrated into the side walls, a two-tone curtain design, a second refrigerator, a 230-volt power outlet, and the SoloStar Concept with two additional seat upholstery options. 

MirrorCam is another feature of the new Lowliner. The camera mirror system can help make situations such as overtaking, maneuvering, driving in poor visibility and darkness, negotiating curves, and passing through narrow spaces safer and less stressful. Additional useful functions include a wide-angle mode for reversing, distance markers displayed on the screens for improved assessment of objects behind the vehicle, camera image panning when cornering, and vehicle surroundings monitoring during rest periods. The interaction between MirrorCam and Active Sideguard Assist 3 can also help mitigate hazardous situations, particularly in complex traffic environments and at challenging intersections. For visual warnings, the turning assist system utilizes the MirrorCam displays. 

In day-to-day operations, the standard Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 provides significant practical value while enhancing connectivity. Its 12-inch display and upgraded touchscreen enable intuitive and customizable operation. Numerous functions can be accessed quickly and safely via voice control, allowing the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road.

The system provides real-time information on battery state of charge, remaining range, and energy consumption. Navigation specifically tailored to electric drivetrains takes available charging infrastructure into account. In addition, the electric-drive-optimized Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system uses navigation data to identify upcoming route events more effectively and further improve vehicle efficiency. Functions such as climate control, heating, lighting, telephony, navigation, and radio infotainment can also be operated via the touchscreen or multifunction steering wheel. 

Potential for CO₂ savings

With the eActros Lowliner, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is providing customers with an important vehicle to help drive the transformation of the transport industry toward CO₂-free powertrains. The manufacturer already uses electric trucks from the eActros portfolio within its own supply chain today.

The new eActros Lowliner will make it possible to electrify additional high-volume transport operations in both the company’s inbound logistics network and across numerous freight carriers. Throughout their lifecycle, eActros models offer significant CO₂ savings potential⁽⁶⁾ compared with a comparable diesel-powered Actros. Actual values depend on the specific model and the electricity mix used to charge the batteries. Based on the average EU electricity mix, CO₂ savings of around 40 percent⁽⁶⁾ are possible. When powered exclusively by electricity from renewable sources, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by more than 80 percent⁽⁶⁾ over an assumed vehicle lifetime of ten years compared with a diesel-powered vehicle.

Depending on the electricity mix, the eActros Lowliner with three battery packs offsets its initially higher CO₂ footprint resulting from battery production after approximately 77,000 kilometers⁽⁶⁾ when charged exclusively with renewable electricity. Based on the current European electricity mix, this break-even point is reached after approximately 177,000 kilometers⁽⁶⁾. 

About the eActros 600

Mercedes-Benz Trucks celebrated the start of series launch of the eActros 600 at the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant at the end of 2024, and the vehicle has since been in daily operation on roads many countries both in Europe and internationally.

The electric flagship from Mercedes-Benz Trucks has already proven its capabilities several times under real-life conditions prior to the series launch: In customer use and as part of the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024”, a 15,000-kilometer all-electric development trip through a total of 22 countries and the “European Testing Tour Winter 2025” on around 6,500 kilometers through Northern Europe, each with a gross combination mass of 40 tons. In addition, the e-truck was voted “International Truck of the Year 2025”. The award is the most important prize in the industry and is presented annually by the International Truck of the Year (IToY) organization, consisting of 24 commercial vehicle journalists from Europe.

The high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours - hence the model designation 600 – and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house enable the eActros 600 to achieve a range of 500 kilometers⁽³⁾ without intermediate charging. In the most economical combination, the eActros 600 can achieve a range of up to 560 kilometers⁽⁷⁾ with three battery packs in classic long-haul transport and a gross train weight of 40 tons. This range is accomplished under very realistic and practical conditions with a gross combination mass of 40 tons, which can also be significantly exceeded depending on the driving style and the route. The eActros 600 will even be able to cover well over 1,000 kilometers per day. Intermediate charging during statutory driver breaks makes this possible, provided that charging options are available.

The eActros 600 has three battery packs, each with 207 kWh⁽²⁾. These offer an installed total capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and are characterized by a long service life. The development engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 to meet the same requirements for the durability of vehicles and components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-haul Actros. This means up to 1.2 million kilometers in ten years of operation. After this period of use, the battery state of health should still be above 80 percent. In contrast to other battery cell technologies, more than 95 percent of the installed capacity can also be used with LFP technology. This facilitates a higher range with the same installed battery capacity. The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination mass of up to 44 tons. With a standard semitrailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tons in the EU. There might be cases in which national law allows higher payloads.

In order to meet even more customer requirements, Mercedes-Benz Trucks recently expanded its battery-electric truck portfolio with additional variants based on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. Depending on their requirements in terms of range, payload, and comfort, customers will be able to choose between two cab variants, two or three battery packs, numerous wheelbases, and new axle configurations. The second model generation of the eActros thus offers over 40 variants of the base vehicle. The new vehicle versions feature the key characteristics of the eActros 600, such as LFP battery technology and the specially developed eAxle.

A further new variant within the eActros portfolio is the Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner, available with either two or three battery packs. It expands the manufacturer’s electric truck offering by adding a solution tailored for high-volume transport applications.

_{(1)  Driver assistance systems can only support drivers. Responsibility for safe vehicle operation always remains fully with the driver.
(2) Nominal capacity of a new battery, based on internally defined boundary conditions. This may vary depending on the application and ambient conditions.
(3) The range was determined internally under specific test conditions, after preconditioning with a 4x2 tractor unit with a 40 tons total towing weight at 20°C outside temperature in long-haul operation and may deviate from the values determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2400.
(4) The charging time is based on the conditions defined for heavy duty trucks in ISO/SAE 12906 – with 400 kW charging power at a standard DC fast-charging station with 500 A.
(5) The charging time is based on the conditions defined for heavy duty trucks in ISO/SAE 12906 – with a charging station in accordance with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard.
(6) EU Green Grid Mix 2022 - Based on Life Cycle Assessment in accordance with ISO 14040:2006+A1:2020 and ISO 14044:2006+A1:2017 +A2:2020 and critically reviewed by external third party TÜV Rheinland Energy GmbH. The choices made during this LCA development including the functional unit & methodologies specifications have considerable influences on the results. Therefore, the comparison to other truck models or vehicles is neither recommended nor intended.
(7) The estimated range is derived from the results of internal simulations as well as real driving tests. The actual range may deviate from the estimated range as a result of numerous factors, such as topography, weather conditions, speed, preconditioning, auxiliary consumers, individual vehicle configuration and driving style.}