Battery-electric HGV mega trip

The eActros 600 is on its way to the northernmost and southernmost points in Europe for extended testing

Mercedes-Benz Trucks started the most extensive test run in the company’s history from Frankfurt am Main during June.

With the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024”, the intention is for two near-series prototypes of the new electric flagship eActros 600 to drive through more than 20 European countries, completing more than 13,000 kilometers each with 40 tons total towing weight. The highlights of the trip by the battery-electric long-haul trucks will include the northernmost and southernmost points in Continental Europe: The North Cape in Norway and Tarifa in Spain.

Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, took the wheel of one of the e-trucks on the first few kilometers. The tour had already unofficially started before at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ location in Wörth am Rhein and Daimler Truck AG’s headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen.

Karin Rådström says: “I would like to thank our engineers who are embarking on the journey with the eActros 600. The vehicle technology for the transformation is ready. Battery-electric long-distance transport in Europe is possible. Now politics and the energy sector must work together in collaboration with OEMs to push forward the build-up of public charging infrastructure.”

With the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024”, Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to gain extensive experience on a wide range of routes in different topographies and climate zones with an eye on energy consumption. The manufacturer intends to then share these findings with interested customers.

The high battery capacity of more than 600 kilowatt hours and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house enable the eActros 600 to achieve a claimed range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging. The intention is to charge the batteries exclusively at public charging stations.

The trip is heading through Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, The Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

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Jonathan Newell

Jonathan Newell is a graduate of Loughborough University and has three decades of experience in engineering as well as broadcast and technical journalism.

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