High-tech equipment ensures sustainable performance: The eActros has plenty of power and delivers an impressive driving experience

• The electric drive system's compact electric axle with two electric motors enables top performance of up to 400 kW.
• The eActros is available with three or four battery packs, each with around 105 kWh^[1] and thus delivers a total battery capacity of 315 or 420 kWh.^[2]
• The range is as much as 400 kilometres.^[3]
• The eActros offers a high degree of driving comfort, among other things thanks to its powerful acceleration and low noise level.

When transport companies opt for an electric truck, decisive criteria include range, power delivery, rapid recharging, suitability for daily use and a versatile range of possible applications, not to mention low noise levels and locally CO₂-emission-free driving. The eActros is available as a two or three-axle truck with 19 or 27 tonnes permissible gross weight. Serving as the basis of the new truck is the frame of the Mercedes-Benz Actros. The quiet drivetrain also enables night-time deliveries to take place, thus relieving strain on road networks during peak times.

Permanent power transfer to the electric axle

For the eActros, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is using a global platform architecture: the ePowertrain. The technological centrepiece of this is the drive unit – a rigid electric axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. In comparison to the concepts with a central motor, this variant offers a number of advantages. For example, the more compact construction leaves a greater amount of installation space for a larger battery capacity, which naturally has a positive effect on the range. Compared with a central motor, the direct transmission of power which this concept enables also offers efficiency benefits.

The two motors are positioned centrally on the rear axle where they generate a continuous output of 330 kW and a peak performance of 400 kW. The immediate provision of torque by the electric motors coupled with the two-speed transmission ensures powerful acceleration, impressive driving comfort and driving dynamics which enable more relaxed, low-stress driving than a conventional diesel-powered truck. In full-load operations, drivers enjoy a relaxing noise reduction of 10 dB inside the cab, which roughly corresponds to a halving of perceptible noise volume. Contrary to a diesel truck, there are also noticeably fewer vibrations.

Battery technology from Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Depending on the equipment version, it draws its energy from either three or four battery packs with 105 kWh each⁴. These are installed in compartmental form underneath the frame and they result in a total capacity of either 315 or 420 kWh^[4]. The maximum capacity of 420 kWh enables ranges of up to 400 kilometres to be achieved^[5].

In this context, the combination of large battery packs with powerful electric motors has a positive side effect: significant recuperation potential. That's because, with every application of the brakes, the electric motor can convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. The energy which this recovers is fed into the eActros batteries, where it is stored to increase the range for subsequent use. Depending on the situation, the driver can select from five different braking stages.

A display in the standard Multimedia Cockpit Interactive of the eActros to keep the driver up-to-date on the charge level of the batteries and the remaining range, as well as the current and average energy consumption in kWh per 100 kilometres.

Besides the drivetrain, the batteries also supply the electricity for the entire vehicle. Thus, for example, auxiliary units such as the air compressor for the brakes, the compressor for the cab's air conditioning and, if fitted, a refrigerated body are also electrically powered. If required, the battery packs can be replaced with ease.

Clever concept for charging and bundling of components

The charging standard used is the Combined Charging System (CCS). The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kW: When connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need a little longer than 1 hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent^[6]. To charge the eActros, a CCS Combo-2 type connector is required and the charging station must support DC charging.

The low-voltage on-board electrical network with two regular 12-volt batteries is charged from the high-voltage batteries using a DC/DC converter. In this way, even if the high-voltage electrical system fails or is switched off, all relevant vehicle functions such as the lights, turn signals, brakes, air suspension and cab functions remain operational.

Numerous high-voltage and low-voltage components of the eActros have been installed in an especially space-saving manner within the front box where the combustion engine previously sat. This includes such components as the heat exchanger, water pumps, cab electrical circuits, DC/DC converter, valves and the two low-voltage batteries. In the case of repairs or maintenance, the components in the front box are easily accessible. What's more, the compact front box also enables a better distribution of weight across the axles.

^[1] This corresponds roughly to the energy content of a new battery pack, including safety and performance limits to maintain system operation.
^[2] This corresponds roughly to the energy content of installed new battery packs, including safety and performance limits to maintain system operation.
^[3] The range was determined internally in optimum conditions, including 4 battery packs after preconditioning in partially loaded distribution traffic without a trailer at 20 °C outside temperature.
^[4] This corresponds roughly to the energy content of installed new battery packs, including safety and performance limits to maintain system operation.
^[5] The range was determined internally in optimum conditions, including 4 battery packs after preconditioning in partially loaded distribution traffic without a trailer at 20 °C outside temperature.
^[6] Based on internally determined empirical values under optimal conditions, including an ambient temperature of 20°C.