Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Successfully Tested in Harsh Winter Conditions

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has completed a 6,500 km winter test across 10 countries, proving its efficiency in extreme cold. Learn how it performed in icy conditions and charging challenges.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has successfully passed one of its toughest trials yet—extensive winter testing across Northern Europe. The test route stretched over 6,500 kilometers and spanned 10 countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania, reaching as far as the Arctic Circle.

The primary goal was to assess how the fully electric truck performs under extreme conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, icy roads, and increased energy consumption. Temperatures during the tests ranged from -18°C to +9°C, allowing engineers to analyze the performance of the heating system, battery efficiency, and energy recuperation in real-world winter scenarios.

One of the biggest challenges in electric trucking is how cold weather impacts energy consumption. The tests revealed that at -2°C, energy consumption increased by approximately 25% compared to summer conditions. The reasons were clear: additional power was needed for cabin heating, reduced energy recuperation efficiency, and increased rolling resistance from the tires. However, despite these challenges, engineers noted that even with climate control actively running, the truck’s range only decreased by 2-5%, which is an impressive result for an electric long-haul vehicle.

Throughout the winter tests, only public charging stations were used to simulate real-world operations. However, this highlighted a major issue: the availability of high-power charging infrastructure for electric trucks is still limited, particularly in remote areas. If logistics companies are to transition fully to electric fleets, expanding the charging network will be a crucial step in the coming years.

Series production of the eActros 600 began in November 2024, with the first deliveries expected in 2025. Major companies, including Amazon, have already placed large orders for the truck. As the industry moves forward, charging infrastructure development and further technological advancements will be key to making electric trucking truly competitive with diesel models.

The eActros 600 has proven that it can withstand extreme winter conditions, but the bigger question remains: will Europe be ready with the necessary charging infrastructure to fully unlock the potential of electric long-haul transport?

Source: www.daimlertruck.com