If you want to protect the climate, there's no way past electrified vehicles. Batteries and fuel cells provide the opportunity of locally CO₂-neutral transport – which is why Mercedes-Benz Trucks started their development early and can now present concrete solutions: for many customers, the eActros has already proved itself in operation and series production is planned for 2021. And that is only the beginning, because by 2039 Mercedes-Benz will provide the right electric solution for virtually every requirement: from light-weight distribution to heavy-duty international freight. A clear commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
eMobility
Drive systems of the future
Battery and fuel cell provide the conditions for tomorrow's transport.
Future travel is assured.
Fuel cell or battery?
Both technologies enable clean transport. If trips can be planned easily and the framework data suits the load, the battery-driven solution shows its strengths: it combines extremely high energy efficiency with low energy costs. However, where long distances and flexibility regarding the route and the load are needed, the fuel cell drive developed by Mercedes-Benz Trucks is the clear leader. It enables considerably greater range with a single tank of fuel. This is made possible for example by the use of hydrogen in liquid rather than gas form – liquid hydrogen provides considerably higher energy density.
Global development – local benefits.
Daimler Trucks has been gathering experience with electric trucks since 2010. In 2017, the FUSO eCanter was delivered to customers in the USA, Japan and Europe in a small production series. Another example is the eActros, which has now been tested by customers in real operation in Europe for two years. In the USA, the first fully electric Freightliner eCascadia and eM2 are being tested in practice.
The ePowertrain platform is being developed and supported jointly by all Daimler truck developers the world over. This modular system is designed especially for the requirements of heavy-duty and medium-weight trucks. It will form the basis both for the development of the fuel cell and also for battery drive and it is geared for the future to be adapted to the needs of different markets and requirements.
Progress continues.
Quiet, efficient and locally CO₂-neutral travel for heavy-duty distribution. That is the role of the battery-driven eActros, which is planned to go into series production in 2021. Only a year later, the specialist for urban tasks will extend the portfolio: like the eActros, the eEconic will also be available as an all-battery-driven version. The battery-driven eActros LongHaul, planned to go into production from 2024, will be ideal for longer distances. The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck, the fuel-cell concept truck, also premiered recently, and customer testing is planned to start in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Will the all-battery-driven electric truck hold its own next to the hydrogen-driven truck?
- Battery-driven vehicles will be suitable for a number of different purposes, just as hydrogen-driven vehicles will, so they will complement each other.
- We don't believe in replacing battery-driven trucks by hydrogen-driven ones. Battery-driven vehicles provide the highest energy efficiency of all alternative drive systems, whereas fuel-cell vehicles show high operational flexibility.
- Battery-driven vehicles are more suitable for smaller load weights and for shorter distances.
- Fuel-cell drive will tend to be the preferred option for heavier loads and longer journeys.
- Both technologies have key advantages for their respective area of application and that will continue to be the case in the future.
What are the best arguments for eMobility?
- Mobility or logistics with a secure future, for example where there are urban vehicle bans
- Sustainable mobility with locally CO₂-neutral travel and completely CO₂-neutral operation if powered by 100 % green electricity
- Increase in overall efficiency – electric vehicles provide far higher drive efficiency than diesel
- Reduce noise emission and use beneficial rules for electric trucks, e.g. delivery times in pedestrian zones
- Improved driver comfort and better driving experience in electric trucks
What role do electric trucks play in the long-term strategy of Mercedes-Benz Trucks?
- Electrifying the commercial fleet is a key element of our long-term strategy.
- Mercedes-Benz Trucks is unequivocally committed to playing a leading role in this technology.
- Converting the fleet to alternative drive forms is extremely important to us.
Which electric trucks will Mercedes-Benz Trucks offer?
The following electric trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks will be available in Europe:
- Mercedes-Benz eActros (2021)
- Mercedes-Benz eEconic (2022)
- Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul (series production planned for 2024)
Announced for the second half of the decade:
- Hydrogen-based fuel cell truck from Mercedes-Benz – based on the GenH2 Truck concept vehicle presented in September 2020
Why do customers have to wait so long for the eActros?
We are constantly pushing ahead with our innovation agenda. Marketable technologies and innovations are the most important lever for us in order to supply our customers with outstanding products and solutions. The findings from our extensive customer tests with the eActros will feed into series production, so we can offer our customers a thoroughly reliable vehicle designed to meet their requirements.
Besides the vehicle itself, we also focus on digital solutions which will play a key role for electric vehicles. These include telematics systems and fleet management systems which will have to be developed for electric trucks. Mercedes-Benz Trucks will embed the vehicle in a holistic ecosystem which will also include advice and customer service around eMobility. This includes route analyses, checking out possible subsidies, support of operative fleet integration and designing the right charge infrastructure solutions.
Further topics
The future will drive electrically
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