Mercedes-Benz Trucks: First major order for eActros from Einride

After commencing production of the battery-electric eActros in October at the Wörth am Rhein plant, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has now registered its first large order of 120 vehicles. The Swedish transport-tech company Einride, a specialist in digitalized, electric, and autonomous transport, intends to deploy the fleet, consisting of eActros 300 and eActros 400 models, with customers in key European markets. The Swabians plan to deliver the locally CO2-neutral vehicles for heavy distribution traffic starting in mid-2022.

"The large order proves that the eActros is the right vehicle and it strengthens our path towards the complete decarbonization of the transport sector," explained Karin Rådström, member of the Daimler Truck Holding AG board of management, responsible for the Europe and Latin America regions as well as the Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand.

Andreas von Wallfeld, Head of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, points out that they offer tailored service packages around e-mobility in addition to the vehicle, and had prepared the service network in Europe early on, precisely for larger e-fleets like Einride's. Ellen Kugelberg, Chief Operating Officer at Einride, sees the order in the context of expanding global fleets of e-commercial vehicles. It is crucial to combine their own software solutions with the most powerful technology. She is convinced that they have chosen the right vehicle with the eActros. They also aim to further drive the electrification of the industry through joint product development.

Range of up to 400 kilometers

The eActros' batteries consist of either three (eActros 300) or four battery packs (eActros 400), each offering an installed capacity of 112 kWh and a usable capacity of around 97 kWh. With four battery packs, the eActros 400 has a range of up to 400 kilometers. The technological heart of the electric truck is the drive unit, an electric rigid axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. The two liquid-cooled motors generate a continuous power of 330 kW as well as a peak power of 400 kW. Additionally, electrical energy can be recovered through recuperation with anticipatory driving. The energy recovered during braking is fed back into the eActros' batteries and is available again for propulsion.

Charging with up to 160 kW power

The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kW: The three battery packs need just over an hour at a regular DC fast-charging station with a 400 A charging current to charge from 20 to 80 percent. The advantages of the battery-electric truck from Mercedes-Benz are the two integrated electric motors with high efficiency that lead to an even power delivery with high starting torque. The immediate torque availability of the electric motors paired with a two-speed transmission ensures powerful acceleration, impressive driving comfort, and driving dynamics that allow for more relaxed and stress-free driving compared to conventional diesel trucks. Additionally, the low center of gravity promotes better cornering. At full load, the reduced interior noise level by 10 dB contributes to a more pleasant driving experience – roughly equivalent to halving the perceived volume. Thanks to the low noise level, night deliveries are also possible. Unlike a diesel truck, there are also significantly fewer vibrations.

Following the eActros will be an eEconic and a LongHaul version

In early October 2021, the first series-produced vehicle of the eActros rolled off the assembly line at the Wörth am Rhein plant. The core element of series production is the Future Truck Center, which was officially commissioned with the start of series production. Before the vehicle is brought to the Future Truck Center for electrification, it is flexibly produced alongside trucks with conventional drives on the existing assembly line. The provider further outlines that various vehicle types are to be built as integrated as possible at the Wörth plant, and the basic structure of the vehicle is to be built on one line, regardless of whether a conventional combustion engine or an electric powertrain is being installed. In the future, further CO2-neutral Mercedes-Benz trucks are also to be electrified here. The series production of the eEconic, developed for municipal use, is scheduled to start in the second half of 2022. The series production readiness of the battery-electric eActros LongHaul for long-distance transport is planned for 2024.