In the European truck industry, there is a "highest honor", its name: International Truck of the Year (IToY), which translates into Chinese is "International Truck of the Year". This honor is jointly evaluated by industry authoritative professionals and media reporters, and the winner is finally selected from the new cars in the European market of the year, and the title of International Truck of the Year is awarded to it for the following year.
As one of the leaders in the truck industry in Europe and even in the world, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has always represented the vane of the truck industry and has always been at the forefront of the development of truck technology. In September 2024, the Hannover Motor Show (IAA), the world's largest exhibition in the commercial vehicle industry, was officially held. At this year's show, Mercedes-Benz brought its first heavy-duty long-haul electric truck: the eActros 600. With its avant-garde design and advanced technology, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 won the honorary title of "2025 International Truck of the Year", which is enough to show its strength. In today's article, Tiga will take advantage of the exhibits of this year's IAA Auto Show to take you to witness the strong strength of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600.
The new model platform matches the extraordinary technology of the future appearance
On the road to the advancement of truck technology, Mercedes-Benz has been working hard. In 2014, Mercedes-Benz brought us the Future Truck 2025 concept. It adopts the overall design of an alien spaceship, which provides ideas and points out the direction for the development of the future transportation industry. In the years that followed, Mercedes Trucks worked to bring concepts and visions to life. Now, 10 years later, Mercedes-Benz has brought its flagship electric truck, the eActros 600, to us. With the eActros 600, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is rethinking the future and laying the foundation for the next decade.
According to the data, about two-thirds of the carbon emissions of heavy road freight in Europe come from long-distance transportation, and achieving "zero carbon" long-distance transportation is crucial to the goal of carbon neutrality. The eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck is a key part of Mercedes-Benz's zero-carbon strategy, with a power reserve of 621 kWh and a new high-efficiency electric transaxle developed by Mercedes-Benz, enabling the vehicle to achieve a range of 500 kilometers without the need for a second recharge.
Based on Mercedes-Benz's latest-generation truck platform, the eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck has a futuristic look that showcases cutting-edge technology. The front face is mainly decorated with a closed front cover, and is decorated with matrix LED headlights and other elements, conveying the sense of science and technology through simple techniques, and the smooth shape greatly reduces the air resistance of the vehicle, thereby improving NVH performance, reducing power consumption and increasing mileage. The exterior design is in the same vein as the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 concept car from ten years ago.
The Mercedes-Benz three-pronged star emblem shines proudly on the closed front hood
Since 1996, the Mercedes-Benz Actros series of trucks has been pushing the industry forward. In the era of electrification, the Mercedes-Benz Actros is also evolving. The new e stands for Electric, and the blue logo shines on every Mercedes-Benz electric truck.
Compared to its predecessor, the eActros 600 is distinguished by the fact that the cab and chassis are separated from each other. The lower part of the body, such as the bumper and wheel arches, is directly connected to the chassis and is no longer connected to the cab. This design reduces the weight of the cab and improves the distribution of the center of gravity, making it easy to optimize the suspension damping system and contributing to driving comfort.
Matrix LED headlights are available as an option, with full LED light sources for excellent illumination and excellent service life, while daytime running lights feature curved lines that blend into the contours of the bumper to create an edge-outing effect. The simple styling, excellent performance, and matching the futuristic model platform greatly enhance the visual effect.
A millimeter-wave radar is integrated inside the left and right headlights, which are located below the main light source and placed towards the oblique front, covering the detection range of the oblique front. The radar is integrated with the headlights, resulting in smoother lines, which reduces air resistance and maintains the coherence of the appearance.
For modern electric heavy trucks, the optimization of air resistance is crucial, which is closely related to its cruising range. Based on the new generation platform, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is equipped with a new ProCabin cab. Compared to its predecessor, the front end of the new ProCabin cab has been extended by 80 mm and is more forward, creating a wedge-like appearance that reduces air resistance.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has improved body sealing. The joints of the body are neat and the tolerances are tighter, which in turn avoids air influx, reduces air resistance and reduces wind resistance and noise. Compared to the cab of the previous Actros model, the new ProCabin has a lower drag coefficient of 9% compared to the previous generation, thereby extending the vehicle's range and usability, which is conducive to commercialization.
A wind deflector has been added to the outside of the A-pillar to rectify the air from the front windshield and transition to the side of the body, further reducing air resistance
As the promoter and leader of electronic rearview mirror technology for trucks, Mercedes-Benz introduced this configuration for the first time in the Future Truck 2025 concept car, and implemented it on the New Actros in 2018. Now, 10 years later, Mercedes-Benz has matured into the second generation of the MirrorCam electronic mirror system, which also appeared on the eActros 600 model. Compared with the first-generation system, the second-generation system has higher image quality, a wider field of view, a smaller outer probe of the frame, and a lower wind resistance, so that the driver is always by his side.
On the second-generation MirrorCam, Mercedes-Benz has improved the image quality of the camera, and the rearview mirror screen in the cab can display richer colors, as well as stronger brightness and contrast, making it easier and more convenient for the driver to identify vehicles and obstacles in the rearview mirror. In addition, the system's night vision capability is more powerful, and the perception of light changes is enhanced, so that the camera image can be quickly changed in environments with rapid changes in lighting, such as entering and exiting tunnels, to ensure a clear view at all times. In addition, the second-generation MirrorCam has a 10 cm shorter probe width on each side, which does not affect the vehicle's maneuverability and passability.
As a digital and intelligent electric heavy truck in the new era, Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 also has many black technologies. It is based on a continuously improved mechatronic architecture and can process data up to 20 times faster than before. In addition to the enhancements of the new safety system, the new models also improve driver comfort and connectivity. This includes the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 or Connected Traffic Warnings, which detect hazard warnings and relay them to nearby vehicles. In the future, many features are expected to be activated on trucks via "over the air". In order to take full advantage of the benefits of software and realize the great advances possible, it is necessary to reduce the number of decentralized control units with different operating systems and completely redefine the mechatronic architecture.
Based on the mechatronic architecture and greatly improved data processing capabilities, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is equipped with sensor fusion technology developed by Daimler Trucks, which includes four side radars, one frontal radar and a body camera system. These sensors are based on a unified platform and are processed by on-board electronic systems for data fusion. This means that each sensor is no longer "working alone", but can play a complementary role, achieving a wide-angle detection range of 270 degrees, detecting objects farther and more accurately, and thus providing more freedom for decision-making. Based on this technology, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 implements safety functions such as ABA6 Active Brake Assist, Frontguard Assist, and Active Sideguard Assist 2 to protect every ride.
Based on these safety features and the driver assistance functions implemented by various sensors, Mercedes-Benz also brings Active Drive Assist 3 to the eActros 600. It integrates the functions of ACC, covering the full range of working speeds, and can realize automatic following, automatic distance keeping, adaptive cruise control and other functions in stop-and-go situations. At the same time, the system is able to gradually slow down and stop when the driver is disabled, unable to control the vehicle, and does not respond to system warnings, so as to avoid accidents.
800V platform + integrated electric drive axle with a range of up to 500 km
The eActros 600 is Mercedes-Benz's first flagship heavy-duty, long-haul electric truck. When it comes to electric trucks, it is inevitable that its three-electric system cannot be avoided. The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck is built on an 800V high-voltage platform, which brings extremely high energy efficiency to the vehicle, which in turn contributes to the long range of the vehicle. At present, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 provides CCS DC fast charging with 400 kW power, and in the future, it will provide super DC fast charging with 1 MW of power. Even without MCS megawatt fast charging, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 can achieve the goal of traveling thousands of miles a day.
Like the eActros 300/400 and other models, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 also uses an LFP lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which provides 207 kWh of power for a total of 621 kWh of power for the whole car, and can achieve a range of 500 km on a single charge. The advantages of lithium iron phosphate batteries are: high energy density, strong thermal stability, and can meet the heavy-duty and high-intensity applications of commercial vehicles. In addition, LFP lithium iron phosphate batteries do not contain heavy metal elements such as cobalt, which is more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle.
The secret to the long range of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is inseparable from its integrated electric axle. For heavy-duty long-haul electric trucks, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new electric axle for the eActros 600, which has the advantages of high integration, high transmission efficiency and high lightweight, integrating dual motors and four-speed gearboxes, with a peak power of 600 kW (816 hp) and a continuous power of 400 kW (544 hp), bringing powerful acceleration, excellent driving comfort and good driving dynamics to the vehicle.
Compared with the traditional central electric drive, the electric drive axle has a higher degree of integration and higher transmission efficiency, which is the future development direction of hybrid and electric trucks. At the same time, thanks to the high level of integration brought about by the e-axle technology, a lot of chassis space is liberated, which opens up the possibility of more flexible chassis layouts.
There is no influence from the central motor and propeller shaft, and the inside of the frame can be used to mount parts
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric heavy-duty truck is built on the same platform as the second-generation Actros L diesel heavy-duty truck, and will be produced together. In order to make the diesel and electric versions compatible, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new integrated attachment system, called the "Front Box", which integrates high-pressure-to-low voltage converters, air compressors, electronic control units and other components, which are installed in the area reserved for the diesel engine under the cab, thus giving space to the side of the chassis to the battery.
Air reservoirs placed on the side of the chassis and at the rear end of the frame will provide air for systems such as brakes
The multimedia cockpit is upgraded with a sense of luxury and technology
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600's ProCabin cab is available in a variety of roof heights, retaining models similar to the StreamSpace and GigaSpace models of its predecessor. When you open the door, you will see the four-level boarding pedals. The lower three pedals are connected to the chassis, and the upper pedal is connected to the cab. The four-step pedal has a structure that retracts inwards in turn, like a staircase, making it easier for the driver to board the vehicle.
In the truck industry, Mercedes-Benz has always been far ahead of the curve in terms of technology and luxury, and this continues to the eActros 600 model. The full LCD instrument panel and touch multimedia screen constitute the interior of the "double screen" style, which is combined with the electronic rearview mirror screens on the left and right A-pillars, and the four large screens are more technological.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is equipped with the StyleLine Interior Package, which includes chrome instrument cluster bezels, chrome electronic parking brakes, chrome trim leather steering wheel, chrome instrument panel trim and velvet floor mats. The overall appearance is more "riotous", and at the same time more modern and technological.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is equipped with the second-generation MultiMedia Cockpit, which has been updated to make it easier to operate and more responsive. At the same time, the physical buttons retained at the bottom of the screen have been changed, and the piano lacquer-style panel is combined with silver hook edges, which is quite like the experience of a Mercedes-Benz luxury car.
The electronic parking brake and push-button start are naturally standard on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, and Mercedes-Benz was one of the first pioneers to apply these two technologies to trucks. There are two buttons under the electronic parking brake, of which the right button is a long-standing niche configuration: it is called TSA Trailer Stability Assist, which can intelligently apply trailer brakes through the electronic system to enhance stability and avoid the occurrence of phenomena such as the folding of the main hitch.
Underneath the electronic parking brake, there is a special button exclusive to Mercedes-Benz electric trucks. It is yellow all over and is responsible for controlling the vehicle's high-voltage circuit system. When the button is pressed, the vehicle's high-voltage circuit system is de-energized, which can ensure the safety of the vehicle in an emergency. In addition to the buttons, Mercedes-Benz has also designed a power disconnect wire next to the seat, which can be cut directly to disconnect the high-voltage circuit system for firefighters to quickly use in an emergency.
The same button on the eEconic 300 all-electric low-entry truck
When the vehicle enters the station for maintenance, it is also necessary to disconnect the high-voltage circuit system, and the circuit should be avoided during the maintenance process to ensure the safety of technicians and related personnel. For this reason, the power-off button is designed with a cut-out that allows a padlock to be inserted to prevent the button from resetting and connecting the circuit due to misoperation or accident. Mercedes-Benz has designed a set of strict procedures for the maintenance of electric trucks, after the button is locked, the key of the lock needs to be placed in a conspicuous red safety box, and warning signs and magnetic signs of vehicle information and technician information will also be placed on the body of the car to avoid accidents as much as possible.
The much-acclaimed passenger table configuration has been retained on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600
summary
Production of the eActros 600 will be shared by Mercedes-Benz Trucks' four plants: Walter, Mannheim, Kassel and Gaggenau. The Mannheim plant is a specialist for diesel engine production and is responsible for the production of the "Front Box" integrated attachment system for the eActros 600. The Gaggenau plant manufactures drivetrains for Mercedes-Benz trucks and is responsible for the production of eActros 600 e-axle components. The Kassel plant is an axle specialist and is responsible for the integration of electric axles. Eventually, the components are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz Walter plant and assembled into a complete truck. As Mercedes-Benz's most important production base, they are undergoing a rapid transformation with the eActros 600 model. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has also opened a BTC battery technology center to explore the technological future of electric trucks.
As one of the most important honorary titles in the commercial vehicle industry, the "International Truck of the Year" (IToY) is self-evident. Receiving this honorary title also represents the industry's recognition of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty long-haul electric truck. Based on a high-efficiency 800V platform, equipped with an integrated e-axle, and compatible with megawatt fast charging in the future, it already represents the "highest combat power" of heavy-duty long-haul electric trucks in Europe. In November 2024, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 will go into series production. At that time, let us witness its strong strength together. Thank you for reading this article! If you want to see more interesting and informative commercial vehicle content, don't forget to follow us!
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