The second test phase of the Mercedes-Benz eActros innovation fleet was launched at a customer in the Netherlands at the beginning of August 2020. Now more of the purely battery-electric trucks are gradually being delivered to customers in Germany and Belgium.

Rico Claassen, Key Account Management at Mercedes-Benz Trucks: "Since 2018, the eActros has been proving itself in a wide range of practical applications with customers as a locally_CO2-neutral alternative for urban distribution transport. The test customers in the second phase are also using the eActros for tasks that would otherwise be carried out with conventional trucks. The body variants range from refrigerated boxes and dry boxes to tarpaulins. We are delighted that DB Schenker, as a pioneer for alternative drive systems in transport logistics, is now also electrifying Leipzig city center with the eActros."

DB Schenker: Green logistics with the Mercedes-Benz eActros

Wolfgang Janda, Senior Vice President Head of Network & Line Haul Management at DB Schenker: "As a pioneer of innovative logistics solutions with a Group-wide fleet of more than 30,000 vehicles, we at DB Schenker have set ourselves the goal of becoming the world's leading provider of green logistics. Our success is based not only on our reliable logistics services, but also on our social and ecological commitment. Naturally, this also includes a mix of vehicles with alternative drive systems. The lightweight FUSO eCanter from Daimler Trucks has already proven its suitability for everyday use in various cities. Now we are eager to see how the eActros will fare in the city of Leipzig. As the market leader in Europe for land transportation, we have to take on a pioneering role from this position alone."

Numerous insights gained from the first phase

One of the many insights gained during the practical tests of the first test phase is that the eActros' range of around 200 kilometers has proven to be absolutely realistic - regardless of payload, route or topography. In terms of availability and performance, the eActros is in no way inferior to a conventional diesel truck in urban traffic, highway or overland journeys. The cooling system for the load as well as the air conditioning system - both electrically operated - have functioned without restriction in both extreme heat and winter conditions. Drivers are very impressed by the consistent availability of torque across the entire speed range. They also report in particular on the quiet driving style and a pleasant, smooth driving experience. What's more, with an anticipatory driving style, electrical energy can be recovered through recuperation, i.e. engine braking. It is then rarely necessary to depress the brake pedal.

Swap box from Schmitz Cargobull

The Schmitz Cargobull W.BO swap body for dry freight transport is a smooth-walled box body in steel construction with a wide range of equipment options such as a double-decker system, roller shutter door and keyhole system as standard.

The development and testing of heavy-duty electric trucks in distribution transport is being funded in various parts by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of the "Concept ELV²" project.