Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Test Trucks Complete European Leg

Mercedes-Benz's eActros 600 electric trucks have achieved a major milestone in their European testing tour by reaching Tarifa, Spain. The two near-production prototypes embarked on a 32-day journey, traveling through 18 countries and covering a total distance of 10,697 kilometers. The trucks were charged exclusively at public charging stations, with a daily charging stop at the end of each leg.

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Christof Weber, Head of Global Testing Mercedes-Benz Trucks said "The tour so far has shown us that battery-electric long-distance transport is already possible in Europe. The two eActros 600 prototypes have proven to be extremely reliable companions - in challenging topography as well as in wind, rainy weather or outside temperatures of over 30 degrees. The 500-kilometer range we specified with one battery charge and 40 tonnes of total train weight has proven to be realistic."

The tour began on June 11 in Frankfurt, Germany. The trucks traveled north through Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, reaching the North Cape in Norway, the northernmost point accessible by road in Europe, in time for the Midsummer celebration. From there, the convoy headed south, passing through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, France and finally Spain.

After reaching Tarifa, the trucks will continue their journey northward through Portugal, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, before returning to Germany by the end of July.

The eActros 600 features a high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt-hours and an efficient electric drive axle, allowing a range of 500 kilometers without recharging. The trucks are charged only at public stations during the tour. Visually, the eActros 600 features a new, minimalist design with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape.

"On the tour so far, we have only charged at public charging points. On the northern leg, we were almost always able to drive the entire train to the charging stations. As the tour continued south, however, it became clear that the charging stations we drove to could usually only be reached with the tractor unit uncoupled," he further added.