Mercedes eActros Lowliner Targets High-Volume Freight

What makes the Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner important?

The Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner targets volume freight, not headline-chasing range claims. It gives fleet operators a battery-electric 4x2 tractor built for mega trailers, low coupling height, high payload needs, and depot-based long-haul routes where cargo volume counts as much as gross weight.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will open orders in the third quarter of 2026 across EU30 and additional markets. Series production starts in the second quarter of 2027 at the Wörth am Rhein plant. That timing gives fleet buyers a clear planning window for chargers, routes, drivers, and trailer compatibility.

Why does the eActros Lowliner exist?

A Lowliner tractor uses a lower fifth-wheel coupling height so a mega trailer can stay within legal total vehicle height while giving cargo operators maximum interior height. Specifically, this setup suits boxed goods, automotive parts, retail freight, and any lane where volume runs out before weight capacity does.

The new eActros Lowliner uses a 4x2 tractor layout and a 4,000 mm wheelbase, equal to about 157.5 inches. Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the truck matches diesel-style coupling heights and ground clearance, which matters because fleets can add the electric tractor without redesigning trailer pools.

What is a Lowliner truck?

A Lowliner truck pulls high-volume trailers by sitting lower at the coupling point. That lets fleets use taller internal trailer space while keeping the complete vehicle under legal height limits.

Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner specs

Looking at the data, the eActros 400 Lowliner makes the sharper payload case. It sacrifices one 207 kWh pack, but it gains up to 3 metric tons of payload versus the eActros 600 Lowliner. For dense palletized freight, that trade can pay back faster than extra battery capacity.

How does the electric drivetrain work?

The Mercedes-Benz electric truck uses the same core hardware as the eActros 600: an in-house electric drive axle, two electric motors, and a four-speed transmission. The motors deliver 400 kW continuous output, equal to about 536 hp, and 600 kW peak output, equal to about 805 hp.

In addition, the truck uses an 800-volt electrical system, LFP battery chemistry, and more than 95 percent usable battery capacity. LFP packs trade some energy density for durability, lower material risk, and better suitability for high-cycle commercial duty. From an expert perspective, that choice makes sense for fleets that charge daily and track battery health like a fuel cost.