The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600’s journey across Europe is set to begin in June, as Daimler Truck undergoes its ‘most extensive truck test run’ in the company’s history.

It will see the flagship electric eActros 600 travel across more than 20 European in a gruelling test of the capabilities of electric batteries for long haul trucking. The two prototype eActros models will be completing 13,000km each, towing 40 tons total.

Head of global testing at Mercedes-Benz Trucks Christof Weber says the company is looking to improve its knowledge of the wide range and routes and climates that a long haul electric truck will face.

“We have put various prototypes of the eActros 600 through their paces over the last few years,” he says.

“Whether in the North of Finland or the South of Spain, the vehicle has long proven what it can do. With series development, we are now on the finishing straight.

“The ‘eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’ enables us to send out a clear message a few months prior to the launch of series production: We are firmly convinced that the two eActros 600 prototypes will master extremely well this enormous feat of strength involving the most extensive test run by Mercedes-Benz Trucks to date.”

Daimler wants to prove that electric trucks can handle the demands of long haul trucking, which could not only be applied in Europe, but in overseas markets too.

It intends to only use public charging stations to keep the truck moving, which according to head of marketing Stina Fagerman, should inspire confidence in potential buyers come the end of the test.

“There is very great customer interest in the eActros 600,” she says.

“Since the start of sales at the end of last year, we have already recorded more than 1,000 firm orders, and have reached a four-digit figure with letters of intent, too.

“This is all the more impressive in light of the fact that the customer demonstrator vehicles will not start out until the second half of the year. The vehicle has already convinced many customers in advance.

“With the ‘eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’, we are placing our focus on expanding our expertise in the areas of consumption and deployment options of the e-truck under a wide range of conditions, allowing us to provide our customers with even sounder consulting services.

“In addition, we intend to inform decision-makers in politics and the energy sector as well as the general public about the possibilities provided by battery-electric drives in the long-haul segment, and in this way further boost the momentum in building up the necessary infrastructure.”

The test will get underway on June 11 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Story with thanks to Power Torque Magazine