Mercedes-Benz eActros North Island test

Date: 05.09.2023

A fully electric 19-tonne eActros has arrived in NZ for validation testing in partnership with Daimler Truck dealer network partners

The eActros is going through an evaluation phase ahead of its release in NZ

Focused on heavy-duty, short-radius distribution, a fully electric 19-tonne eActros has arrived in New Zealand for validation testing in partnership with Daimler Truck dealer network partners.

A Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 4x2 cab chassis model, with a range of up to 330km*, is now being put through its paces in New Zealand’s North Island in what the company says is an exciting development for operators looking to transition to zero-emission vehicles across a wider range of applications.

Development trucks have been at work in select fleets in Europe since 2018, impressing customers with their advanced design, strong performance, and efficiency.

It’s the first heavy-duty, zero-emission truck from Daimler and follows its launch of the FUSO eCanter as the world’s first series-produced electric truck, which arrived in New Zealand in 2021.

There are two 4x2 models and three 6x2 options planned for the eActros range in major markets. The eActros is going through an evaluation phase ahead of its release in New Zealand. Daimler Truck and the dealer network will provide updates on availability once the evaluation phase is complete.

The eActros has already won a prestigious 2023 Truck Innovation Award due to its innovative lithium-iron phosphate cell (LFP) battery technology, e-axle (an electric axle with two motors that provides a continuous output of 330kW and a maximum output of 400kW), and the speed of its development (one year from concept to presentation).

"The eActros is packed with next-generation battery-powered technology, alongside advanced safety and driver assistance systems, plus online performance monitoring and data collection," says Matt Gillatt, alternative fuels transition manager for Keith Andrews.

"It really is the next level for heavy-duty e-vehicles, enabling reliable performance over an extended range and charging from 20 to 80% in an hour with a standard DC fast charge.

"From a technical support and service point of view, it has been great for myself and some of our team to continue our learning in this area, as we prepare to support customers in transitioning into electric vehicles."

Advanced features, such as Active Brake Assist 5, Electronic Stability Control, SideGuard Assist, MirrorCam, and Predictive Powertrain Control, which helped the diesel Actros win the 2020 International Truck of the Year contest, will also be available in the electric version.  

* The range was determined internally under optimal conditions, including three battery packs after preconditioning in partially loaded distribution traffic without a trailer with a 4x2 axle configuration at 20°C outside temperature.

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