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.
