Can the eActros 600 convince real truckers?

Is it possible to operate 80% of a fleet electrically? Logistik Schmitt from Bietigheim says "yes". That’s why, as a testing partner of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the company faces new challenges in electromobility every day, ranging from infrastructure and costs to driver scepticism. And drivers are very sceptic.

Too few charging stations, not enough range and a driving experience that simply doesn’t measure up to a real diesel – drivers have a wide range of concerns. A battery-powered truck is simply not the same as a real diesel machine. You can smell a diesel truck, hear it, feel it – and that’s exactly what makes driving a truck fun for many. That’s why the company hoped that driver training in the new eActros 600 would convince even the biggest diesel fans of the new technology. The mood before the first trip was anticipatory, but also sceptical. Many wonder whether the eActros 600 really is the future. And most of them are thinking: no.

After the training, the mood was relaxed and excited, because the eActros 600 provided a few surprises. Starting with the range. In the case of the eActros 600, this is 500* kilometres without recharging, which means you can cover serious distances. And since Logistik Schmitt has set up its own charging infrastructure at its sites, no one has to worry about not making their trips. Drivers were most amazed at how quiet it is in the driver’s cab. And what surprised them even more was that they liked it. They found driving the eActros much more relaxed and didn’t miss the familiar humming under their seat as much as they thought they would. On the contrary – some of them didn’t even want to get out! The powerful driving experience was unanimously considered the best aspect. Despite the peace and quiet in the driver’s cab, the drive system of the eActros 600 provides extra power of up to 600 kW (around 815 hp)

Some drivers are so enthusiastic about the eActros 600 after the training that they no longer want to go back to diesel. One driver even postponed his holiday so that he would be sure to have the new eTruck for his next trip. Click the video link to find out what drivers at Logistik Schmitt have to say about the eActros 600.

Interested in more exciting insights? Follow the new “Electrified” series to learn more about how Logistik Schmitt masters the challenges of electromobility and how we are shaping the future of transport together. Stream now!