Orten: Mercedes Atego conversion in new operation

The topic of converting 7.5-ton trucks is not entirely new to Orten: As early as 2016, the vehicle manufacturer based in Bernkastel-Kues equipped the first Atego with an electric drive. After the conversion, the electric vehicle is called "Orten E 75 AT" and, according to Orten, it is in use in several units across the country as well as in Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

The newly established branch in Wittlich-Wengerohr has recently consolidated Orten's conversion business. Together with partner EFA-S, Orten can now look back on over 300 electrified commercial vehicles with total weights between 3.5 and 26 tons, possessing extensive experience in converting used diesel trucks and transporters.

The numerous young diesel Atego vehicles—mostly in the form of vans with tail lifts or flatbeds—are considered by Orten to be excellent candidates for conversion and a second life as e-trucks. Ideally, the conversion candidates should not be older than three to four years. The offered payload of around 2,300 kilos (van with tail lift or flatbed) is entirely sufficient for deliveries in inner cities and regional/municipal tasks with expensive special bodies. The top speed of 80 km/h remains unchanged after the conversion. In combination with a lightweight construction technique—developed by Fahrzeugbau Orten GmbH—payloads of up to 2,600 kilos can even be achieved.

The drive technology consists of an LFP lithium iron phosphate drive battery with nickel- and cobalt-free chemistry. The 81 kW synchronous motor offers a sufficiently high torque of 1,150 Nm, which, typical for an electric motor, is fully available right from the start. The E 75 AT runs with a single-speed automatic transmission and has a battery capacity of 110 kWh.

According to the manufacturer, its onboard charger with 22 kW power fully charges the E 75 AT at a wallbox high-voltage socket within about five hours. Additionally included in the scope of delivery: an info display with all relevant data, the BMS battery management system with integrated balancing function, a high-voltage DC/DC converter, the aforementioned 22 kW CAN bus-controlled charging technology, and a 5 kW high-voltage cabin heater.

According to Orten, all components are made of durable, high-quality materials, both in terms of battery boxes and installation components for the motor and attachments. A heating mat integrated into the battery trays ensures flawless operation of the batteries even during critical winter months. The vehicle receives a certification according to ECE-R 100.

The planned subsidy for the coming year of 80 percent for electric commercial vehicles (calculated on the additional cost compared to a diesel vehicle) is in preparation. According to Orten, this subsidy could be a substantial incentive for customers to help the electric drive gain traction even with light trucks.

What does that mean?

For a monthly full-service rental rate of 2,750 euros, plus statutory VAT, Orten offers the fully electric Atego with a box body and tail lift for at least six months of test operation (plus insurance costs and tire wear). This allows customers to run their driving profiles in practice and accurately assess whether and when the electric truck is worthwhile.