Does Mercedes Benz Make Trucks?
In October of last year, Mercedes Benz began production of a new line of battery-powered trucks designed to enhance the safety and comfort of drivers and reduce the carbon footprint of municipal and long-distance towing vehicles. The electric truck by Mercedes is set to revolutionize the distribution industry.
The first in this line of trucks is the eActros, a sleek hauler that is as comfortable as it is efficient. Unveiled in 2016 as a “truck ahead of its time,” the eActros is now in mainstream production overseas, with plans to introduce the truck to American markets sometime this year.
Battery Options in the eActros
Mercedes-Benz has been in the electric-vehicle game for quite some time, and they have applied the brand’s trademark innovation to their truck line. The eActros is powered by 112 kWh lithium ion batteries. One version uses three of these batteries, and a second version has four. The three-battery truck can travel distances of up to 300 km (186 miles), and the four-battery eActros maxes out at about 400 km (249 miles).
Charge time depends on factors like vehicle temperature, battery charge level, and the capacity of the charging station. In general, the three-battery eActros will charge from 20 to 80 percent in a little over an hour, while the four-battery version requires around 90 minutes.
Combined with the patented Mercedes ePowertrain, which recoups a significant amount of energy on decoration, the eActros is up to twice as efficient as a diesel-fueled truck.
Safety Features of eActros
The eActros is designed for heavy-duty, short-range distribution within urban areas. Daimler therefore designed a truck with enhanced safety features for both drivers and city residents. Standard Mercedes-Benz safety features for the eActros include:
- Telligent® Brake System, Lane Assist, Stability Control, and Proximity Control
- Bi-xenon headlamps for enhanced road illumination
- Rain and light sensors
- Blind spot assist
- Heated front mirrors
- Manual-adjusted heated rear view mirrors
Noise Control in Mercedes Trucks
The electric eActros vehicle tops out at about 60 decibels, making it suitable for deliveries any time of day. For reference, 60 decibels is about the level of a regular conversation and a little less than an average vacuum cleaner.
The inside of the cab is a peaceful 10 decibels and incredibly smooth, thanks to the lack of a rattling diesel engine.
What’s Next for Mercedes Benz Trucks?
Daimler has plans to unveil a long distance version of the eActros in 2024. This will be called the eActros Longhaul, designed to travel distances up to 500 km. The brand is also working on a line of municipal low-entry trucks called the eEconic, set to begin production this year. The eEconic has been promoted as a quieter, more efficient truck for trash collecting services.
The Truck of the Future
With an aim at reducing carbon emissions and increasing comfort and safety for drivers, we can expect to see more and more Mercedes trucks on the road. The brand even has suggested that the reduced stress and more pleasant atmosphere within the truck may help with employee retention. That sounds in keeping with the Mercedes Benz goal, which has always been driver-centric. Time will tell, but we have a feeling the eActros is the beginning of a new chapter in distribution.
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