Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveils refrigerated eActros electric demonstrator

Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has teamed up with leading bodybuilder Solomon Commercials to launch Britain's first fridge-bodied eActros electric truck.

The truck is based on a 4x2 eActros 300. Fitted with three nickel manganese cobalt battery packs, for a total installed capacity of 336kWh, it boasts a range of up to 330km (205 miles). The batteries can be recharged from 20 to 80% in 75 minutes, using a 400A 160kW charger.

The eActros is designed from the ground up as an electric truck. Its twin electric motors are located within the rear eAxle. With no need for a prop shaft, chassis space is freed up for the batteries to be set across the full width of the vehicle. This helps to create a low centre of gravity which, in turn, translates into improved driving dynamics. The motors drive through a special transmission with two forward and two reverse gears, allowing the truck to cruise at up to 89 km/h (55 mph). The absence of a combustion engine under the ClassicSpace cab means there's much less noise and vibration than in a traditional diesel-powered truck.

The body, meanwhile, is designed for optimum aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag and thereby help to maximise range. It features a full Solomon Slipstream system incorporating tapered bulkhead, 3D roof deflector and sloping Kamm tail. Refrigeration is controlled by a Carrier TRS Syberia overcab chiller unit and Carrier Datacold temperature monitoring system.

At the rear there's a 1,500 kg Dhollandia column tail lift, as well as a reversing camera which is integrated with the truck's Multimedia Cockpit display screens, so no extra in-cab hardware is required. Other standard equipment includes MirrorCam, Active Brake Assist 5, and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Head of Future Sustainability, James Venables, said: 'The eActros is a truck for a new era, and by launching this refrigerated demonstrator we're showing that it's ready to work in real-life applications – anyone interested in trialling this exciting vehicle should contact their Mercedes-Benz Dealer as soon as possible.

'We're here to support operators on the journey towards CO2-neutral transport too, though. All our Dealers are fully qualified and eTruck-ready, while our team of eConsultants can provide valuable advice and assistance on all aspects of electric truck operation, from charging infrastructure, to a range of digital services to increase utilisation and optimise the total cost of ownership.'

Solomon Commercials Managing Director Anthony Clegg added: 'The road to net zero is no longer an optional extra; it's a certainty, and more and more customers are actively looking to introduce carbon-neutral policies and to minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment.

'We're proud to work with manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, helping customers transition to zero-emissions transport. Adopting these vehicles is certainly picking up pace, particularly with the Government wanting to reach stringent emissions targets and create clean-air cities. Electric vehicles will play an important role in ensuring this is achieved.'

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Trucks
posted on conceptcarz.com

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