In February 2021, the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eEconic trucks were put through a series of snow and ice-covered tests in the freezing surrounds of the Swabian Alb.
During tests aimed at replicating a range of operating situations, attention was paid to how the vehicles’ electric systems reacted when used in extreme weather conditions, including the performance of the batteries and the drivetrain. Alongside this, tests were conducted on the thermal and energy management systems, which ensure that the driver’s cab and the drivetrain are properly and energy-efficiently temperature controlled.
The eActros has been running since 2018 as a prototype for customer use, and Mercedes says the latest test confirms that both the eActros and the eEconic variants are now ready for use in cold weather climate conditions.
With series production of the eActros set to begin later this year, the OEM states that the final model will be superior when compared with the prototype in terms of an extended range, greater drive power, and improved safety features. Based on the eActros, production of the low-floor eEconic truck, designed for use as a waste-collection vehicle in urban areas, is also set to start in 2021, with the first customer tests currently being planned.