MERCEDES-BENZ

eActros 600 wins ‘International Truck of the Year 2025’

Journalists covering the commercial vehicle sector in 24 European countries voted for the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a battery-electric truck, as the ‘International Truck of the Year 2025’. This is the most important award in the sector.

In its statement, the jury praised the innovative technological concept of the Mercedes-Benz electric long-distance truck, which impressed with its modern drive technology, high energy efficiency and a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging. These figures were achieved during the ‘eActros 600 European Test Tour 2024’ – a development journey of the electric truck covering more than 15,000 kilometres and passing through a total of 22 countries. At various stages of this tour, it would have even been theoretically possible to achieve ranges of over 600 kilometres without intermediate charging. Along the entire route, the two long-distance trucks were charged exclusively at public charging points.

Karin Radström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award from Gianenrico Griffini, chairman of the ItotY jury, at an event held at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany.

“From the outset, Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 as an electric truck. The result is a state-of-the-art battery-electric vehicle that is suitable for a wide range of long-distance applications,” said Gianenrico Griffini, summarizing the jury’s decision.

“We are proud and excited about the award. Almost all members of the jury spent time behind the wheel, testing the eActros 600 on highways throughout Europe. This gave them the opportunity to experience the truck’s performance capabilities firsthand. Today is a proud day for the teams that have worked so hard over the past few years to make this truck a market leader,” says Karin Radström.

According to the jury’s rules, the title is awarded annually to the truck that has made the greatest contribution to innovations in road transport in terms of efficiency, emissions, safety, vehicle dynamics and comfort. Since the introduction of the ‘International Truck of the Year’ award in 1977, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has won the title ten times. This year, the manufacturer also impressed the jury for the first time with a battery-electric vehicle.

The many ITotY journalists who took part in the eActros 600 European Test Tour 2024 praised the aerodynamics of the new ProCabin cab. Improved aerodynamics are particularly important for battery-electric trucks in long-distance transport, as air resistance is one of the main factors influencing energy consumption. In addition, more energy can be recovered, leading to a longer range.

The performance of the drivetrain, the smooth acceleration and the vibration-free working environment with the various driving programs were also positively assessed by ITotY journalists. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed a new electric wheel axle designed for 800 V with two electric motors and a four-speed transmission, especially for use in long-distance transport. The electric motors generate a continuous output of 400 kW and a peak output of 600 kW. In addition, the eActros 600 features cruise control and Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) transmission control, which is compatible with electric drive. This system automatically takes into account the topography, road layout and traffic signs to enable the most efficient driving style possible.

About the eActros 600... Around 60 percent of the long-distance journeys of Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers in Europe are less than 500 kilometers, which means that a charging infrastructure at the depot and at the charging and unloading points is sufficient in these cases. For all other applications, the continued expansion of the public charging infrastructure is essential to enable long-distance transport with electric trucks across Europe. In addition to ‘CCS’ charging with up to 400 kW, the eActros 600 will in future be capable of charging with megawatt ‘MCS’ charging. In April this year, developers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks succeeded for the first time in charging a prototype of the eActros 600 at a one-megawatt charging station at the Development and Test Center at the Wörth am Rhein plant. The batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with a power of around one megawatt.

The eActros 600 features a fundamentally new design with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape. When it comes to profitability for fleet operators, the electric truck is designed to set new standards in the long term by replacing most diesel trucks in the long-distance transport segment. The concept behind battery-electric long-distance transports from Mercedes-Benz Trucks is to offer customers a complete solution comprising vehicle technology, consulting, charging infrastructure and services.

Autonews