Mercedes-Benz tests e-trucks Down Under

MERCEDES-BENZ Trucks has announced it will soon begin validation trials for its all-electric eEconic and eActros models in Australia and New Zealand.

Production of the eEconic trucks has begun at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks factory in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, three of which are destined for Australia early next year while New Zealand will get one around the same time.

The eEconic is based on the popular Econic truck, designed for use in densely-populated areas due to its enhanced driver visibility, low cab option, active safety features and bodybuilder-friendly chassis.

A popular choice within the refuse sector, the Econic has become an inner-city staple, and the eEconic adds the benefit of being silent and emission free.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia Pacific director Andrew Assimo explained that the Econic makes a lot of sense in refuse applications. 

“Waste collection represents the perfect application for a near-silent electric truck that produces zero local emissions as these vehicles operate on the doorsteps of our community,” Mr Assimo said.

“We are excited to work with our Australian and New Zealand customers to validate the remarkable zero emission eEconic, which is also fully-loaded with the latest Mercedes-Benz Trucks active safety technology.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks also recently confirmed plans for local validation of its eActros truck on both sides of the Tasman, but the focus for the larger model is heavy-duty short radius distribution. 

“We are excited to conduct this extensive testing program on the roads of Australia and New Zealand for the advanced and innovative all-electric eActros, a truck that represents an exciting new chapter for sustainable road transport in our region,” Mr Assimo said.

“Mercedes-Benz Trucks always makes sure the advanced technology we introduce locally is tailored for our unique conditions and meets the specific requirements of our customers with extensive local evaluation and it is no different with zero emission electric technology.”

Both e-truck models share the same electric powertrain, consisting of two liquid-cooled electric motors producing a continuous output of 330kW and peak output of 400kW.

Energy storage for the eEconic series-production model consists of three battery packs, with a total capacity of around 336kWh, while the eActros has the option of a fourth battery pack bumping total capacity to 448kWh.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has bold future plans for the commercial vehicle sector, aiming to assist in achieving a CO2-neutral transport industry by 2050. 

The manufacturer says it will contribute by selling only CO2-neutral vehicles in its biggest sales regions of North America, Europe and Japan from 2039 onwards. 

Mercedes Benz has not revealed when the eEconic and eActros will become available for Australian customers, which will no doubt depend on local testing.