We believe in the Paris Agreement – we don't just see sustainability as a fashion item, but instead as a highly important attitude. In order to make our contribution to this global aim, we have laid out clear objectives for achieving a CO₂-neutral transport industry. eMobility is our key to reaching sustainability and, thanks to the new eActros, we're already living it out today: local CO₂ neutrality.
Sustainability runs in our veins.
Towards CO₂-neutral production.
Sustainability doesn't stop at an eTruck. Reducing CO₂ is a much bigger picture than that. For this reason, all European Daimler plants will be manufacturing on a carbon-neutral basis from 2022 onwards. In addition, we are consistently reducing our CO₂ emissions for climate-neutral production and want to completely avoid them wherever possible. In addition to purchasing green electricity, we are also actively expanding renewable energies at our sites. A Germany-wide electricity contract will also ensure that all German Daimler Truck AG locations will be able to cover their entire energy requirements with renewable electricity from wind, solar and water power.
More power thanks to the ePowertrain.
In a direct comparison, the eActros 300/400 is as much as twice as efficient as a diesel truck. It achieves this by using its energy efficiently with the aid of the ePowertrain and the recuperation function (with which especially high levels of energy can be recovered during deceleration phases). The tailor-made electric truck solution focusses on heavy-duty short-radius distribution in urban areas and is truly impressive thanks to its optimised drivetrain weight, increased efficiency and low-noise driving. The eAxle used has two separate electric motors and delivers a peak output of 400 kW.
Resource-friendly energy savings aren't just dependent on the efficiency of the drivetrain, but also to a large degree on the driving style and behaviour of the driver.
TruckTraining? E-specific!
Energy-saving and resource-friendly driving aren't just dependent on the efficiency of the drivetrain, but also to a large degree on the driving style and behaviour of the driver. This is why Mercedes‑Benz Trucks offers driver training tailored specifically to the eActros 300/400. Starting with the basic work steps, such as charging the truck, calling up e-specific information and implementing this in daily routines, the participants will learn how to handle the new ePowertrain. The training course imparts the necessary tips in order to optimally use the drive system's recuperation and thus enable range-optimised driving which is easy on the battery.
Fuel cell or battery?
Both technologies enable clean transport. If trips can be planned easily and the basic data suits the load, the battery-driven solution shows its strengths: it combines extremely high energy efficiency with low energy costs. But when it comes to long distances and flexibility as concerns routes driven and loads carried, the Mercedes-Benz Trucks fuel-cell system which runs on liquid hydrogen will soon be available. With just a single tank, it enables drastically higher ranges to be achieved and will thus be available for future models.
Both drive systems offer the ability to drive locally CO₂-neutrally, which is why Mercedes-Benz Trucks already started working on its development at an early stage. Today, specific solutions can already be presented: the eActros will enter series production from 2021. And that is only the beginning, because by 2039 Mercedes‑Benz Trucks will provide the right electric solution for virtually every requirement: from light-weight distribution to heavy-duty international freight.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Will the all-battery-driven electric truck hold its own next to the hydrogen-driven truck?
- Battery-driven vehicles will be suitable for a number of different purposes, just as hydrogen-driven vehicles will, so they will complement each other.
- We don't believe in replacing battery-driven trucks by hydrogen-driven ones. Battery-driven vehicles provide the highest energy efficiency of all alternative drive systems, whereas fuel-cell vehicles show high operational flexibility.
- Battery-driven vehicles are more suitable for smaller load weights and for shorter distances.
- Fuel-cell drive will tend to be the preferred option for heavier loads and longer journeys.
- Both technologies have key advantages for their respective area of application and that will continue to be the case in the future.
What are the best arguments for eMobility?
- Mobility or logistics with a secure future, for example where there are urban vehicle bans
- Sustainable mobility with locally CO₂-neutral travel and completely CO₂-neutral operation if powered by 100 % green electricity
- Increase in overall efficiency – electric vehicles provide far higher drive efficiency than diesel
- Reduce noise emission and use beneficial rules for electric trucks, e.g. delivery times in pedestrian zones
- Improved driver comfort and better driving experience in electric trucks
What role do electric trucks play in the long-term strategy of Mercedes-Benz Trucks?
- Electrifying the commercial fleet is a key element of our long-term strategy.
- Mercedes-Benz Trucks is unequivocally committed to playing a leading role in this technology.
- Converting the fleet to alternative drive forms is extremely important to us.
Which electric trucks does Mercedes-Benz Trucks offer?
The following electric Mercedes-Benz Trucks are available in Europe:
- Mercedes‑Benz eActros 300/400
- Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600
- Mercedes‑Benz eEconic
Announced for the second half of the decade:
- Hydrogen-based fuel cell truck from Mercedes‑Benz Trucks – based on the GenH2 Truck concept vehicle presented in September 2020