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Thami Masemola
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Date published: 30/08/2021
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Category: Reviews
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Tags: Tesla; Daimler; Mercedes-Benz; the all-new eActros truck; eActros; Mercedes-Benz; South African market; Mercedes-Benz Trucks Southern Africa
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Mercedes-Benz eActros announced
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While Tesla has been making noises about producing an all-electric truck (semi in American speak), there are another handful of other manufacturers who have been working on their own. One such is Daimler, owners of the Mercedes-Benz brand and makers of the highly successful Actros range of trucks. They have unveiled the all-new eActros truck, which has covered over 500 000km on public roads. Good news is that it will be available to South African customers.
Getting right into the technicalities of the eActros, we understand it will use two integrated electric motors paired to a 2-speed transmission. Power is sourced from either three or four battery packs, depending on the model, carrying a maximum capacity of 420kWh and a range of 400km. Of course such a range must still be tested in the real world where the trucks would be operating. Recharging from 20 to 80% full can take up to an hour, depending on the type of charger used.
This being an electric truck means connectivity is paramount, and therefore there is a high degree thereof, as well as digitisation. Safety is also very important, and so features like MirrorCam, Sideguard Assist S1R, Active Brake Assist with pedestrian detection and others, are present.
“The global debut of this ground-breaking vehicle was certainly an electrifying and sensational moment for us locally. Hats off to our Mercedes-Benz Truck counterparts for this revolutionary vehicle that sets the brand apart. This is certainly a giant step towards an electrically driven future and we are proud to be a part of a brand that is continuously at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions for customers. As we wait in great anticipation to officially usher in this truck of the future to the South African market, we look forward to possible customer demonstrations and trial opportunities”, says Maretha Gerber, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Southern Africa.
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