Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Electric Truck Gets 4x2 and 6x2 Chassis Options

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Doubles Down on Electric Freight With eActros 600 Rigid Variants

Mercedes-Benz Trucks, a division of Daimler Truck AG, is significantly expanding its battery-electric truck portfolio by introducing rigid chassis versions of the eActros 600. These new configurations—available in two-axle (4x2) and three-axle (6x2) formats—mark a strategic evolution of the long-haul eActros 600 semitrailer tractor introduced in 2023. The addition of rigid variants enables the eActros platform to cater to a broader range of logistics operations, particularly in distribution, construction, and municipal sectors.

This expansion reflects Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ efforts to serve various use cases with zero-emission drivetrains—from heavy-duty long-distance haulage to localized and specialized commercial tasks. The move also supports Daimler Truck’s target of making 50% of its European vehicle sales electric by 2030.

Key Technical Highlights of the eActros 600 Platform

Mercedes-Benz is engineering the eActros 600 with a focus on efficiency, durability, and operational flexibility.

Battery and Range

Battery Capacity: 621 kWh, using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology.
Driving Range: Up to 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge, under real-world conditions.
Charging: Compatible with up to 400 kW DC fast charging (CCS standard).
Megawatt Charging System (MCS): Hardware ready for up to 1,000 kW charging, enabling full recharge in 30 minutes once infrastructure becomes available.

Durability

Battery Life Expectancy: Engineered for 1.2 million kilometers (750,000 miles) or 10 years of operation while retaining over 80% of battery capacity.
Powertrain: Features an e-axle with two integrated electric motors producing 400 kW continuous and 600 kW peak output.

Load and Weight Specifications

Specification	Value
Gross Combination Weight	97,000 lbs (44 metric tons)
Payload with Standard Trailer	Approx. 48,500 lbs (22 metric tons)
Axle Configurations	4x2, 6x2 (rigid); 6x2 (tractor)

These specifications position the eActros 600 as a viable alternative to diesel trucks for medium- and long-haul freight, without compromising on load capacity.

Strategic Production and Customer Demand

Production of the eActros 600 is scheduled to begin in November 2024 at Mercedes-Benz’s Wörth am Rhein plant in Germany. This facility has already been retooled to accommodate modular electric drivetrains and high-voltage battery integration.

Market Response

Orders to Date: Over 2,000 units pre-ordered across European fleets.
Notable Buyers:
- Amazon: Ordered 200 units for German and UK operations.
- Dachser, DB Schenker, and Hegelmann: Among key logistics firms conducting real-world testing.
Customer Pilots: Mercedes-Benz has been conducting customer trials since mid-2023 with loaded trailers to simulate actual duty cycles.

This strong early demand signals growing confidence in electric logistics across Europe’s freight industry.

New Rigid Chassis Variants: Designed for Daily Versatility

The new rigid configurations are a direct response to fleet operator feedback and expanding market use cases. Unlike the tractor unit designed for long-haul routes, the rigid chassis variants allow direct body integration for applications such as refrigerated transport, tippers, refuse collection, and tanker services.

Variant Configurations

4x2 Rigid (Two-Axle):
- Optimized for urban distribution and light-duty regional routes.
- Higher maneuverability and lower curb weight.
6x2 Rigid (Three-Axle):
- Designed for heavy loads, ideal for construction sites, municipal services, and regional logistics with higher payload needs.
- Electrohydraulic steering for the trailing axle improves tight-turn performance.

These chassis variants open the eActros 600 platform to sectors that demand daily operational flexibility, not just point-to-point long-haul.

Charging Infrastructure: Preparing for Megawatt-Speed Refueling

Infrastructure readiness remains a central issue for the widespread adoption of electric trucks. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is addressing this challenge with a multi-pronged strategy.

Charging Solutions in Progress

Megawatt Charging System (MCS):
- The eActros 600 is pre-wired for MCS support.
- MCS can deliver up to 1,000 kW, enabling a 30-minute recharge from 20% to 80%.
Current CCS Support:
- Up to 400 kW using standard DC fast chargers, with a charge from 20% to 80% in around one hour.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Mercedes-Benz is working with charge point operators, logistics hubs, and industry partners under the Milence joint venture (with Volvo Group and Traton Group).
The focus is on deploying high-capacity depot charging and public truck corridors.

These efforts aim to make long-haul electric transport practical through minimal downtime and intelligent charging logistics.

Fleet Services and Operational Support

Mercedes-Benz Trucks supports eActros 600 operators with a complete ecosystem designed to streamline electrification.

Included Services

Route Planning Tools: Simulation of energy consumption based on topography, payload, and temperature.
Depot Consulting: Analysis and design of fleet charging strategies.
Digital Fleet Monitoring: Remote diagnostics and over-the-air updates through Mercedes-Benz Uptime.
Training Programs: Guidance for drivers and fleet managers on optimizing battery performance and regeneration usage.

These services help fleets lower their total cost of ownership (TCO) and accelerate the return on investment for electric trucks.

Regulatory and Market Context

The eActros 600 rollout aligns with European Union policies pushing for zero-emission freight transport. The EU has mandated a 90% reduction in truck CO₂ emissions by 2040 compared to 2019 levels. In response, truckmakers face mounting pressure to decarbonize their fleets.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ strategy also responds to:

Urban low-emission zones (LEZs) banning diesel vehicles.
Rising fuel prices and emissions taxes.
Corporate decarbonization pledges by multinational logistics firms.

By expanding its electric product range, Mercedes-Benz is strengthening its foothold in a fast-changing freight market.

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Conclusion: Electric Freight No Longer Experimental

With the expanded eActros 600 portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is moving beyond pilot projects and entering full-scale production. The new rigid variants, long-range capabilities, and charging readiness make this truck platform suitable for more than just specialized use cases.

This is a scalable, road-ready solution for operators looking to electrify significant portions of their fleets. Mercedes-Benz’s ability to offer multiple configurations, coupled with end-to-end fleet services, places it ahead of many traditional OEMs in the electric freight space.

In a logistics industry where uptime, payload, and range determine viability, the eActros 600 is built for daily, profitable work—not speculation.