MERCEDES-BENZ

Long-distance endurance test with megawatts: MB Trucks sent eACTROS 600 from Germany to Sweden

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to advance the implementation of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard for the eActros 600, its long-distance electric heavy-duty truck. As part of a rigorous test with two MCS-compatible models, Mercedes-Benz Trucks development engineers are evaluating megawatt charging.

The aim of this initiative is to ensure optimal compatibility between the vehicle and megawatt charging stations from various manufacturers, as well as to obtain valuable information on usability in real-world conditions, including during winter, covering everything from the charging curve and average power to the overall performance of the MCS infrastructure.

Test on European long-distance transport routes...The test route covers approximately 2,400 kilometers, starting in Germany, passing through the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, to Sweden. The starting point is the Mercedes-Benz factory in Wörth am Rhein, with the final destination in Linköping, in southern Sweden. The vehicles must be recharged at both public and private MCS charging points, specifically designed for trucks.

Peter Ziegler, Head of E-Charging Components at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, reinforces: “The main challenges in megawatt charging lie in harmonizing the vehicle with various charging systems. At the same time, the extreme currents of MCS charging demand a lot from thermal management. The current round of tests is an important opportunity to evaluate these aspects under real operating conditions.”

Faster charging and greater efficiency on the road...With charging capacities of up to 1,000 kW, electric truck batteries can be charged much faster compared to the currently more common CCS technology - for example, with MCS the eActros 600 needs only about 30 minutes to charge the batteries from 20 to 80%.

Faster charging via MCS allows customers to carry out more efficient and flexible logistics processes in long-distance operations, provided the appropriate infrastructure exists. Currently, there are few public MCS facilities in Europe.

For carriers and fleet operators, MCS charging can offer economic advantages, increasing the vehicle's utilization potential. This, in turn, can facilitate the transition to battery-electric trucks in long-distance transport.

The MCS standard is being led by the CharIN organization and standardized internationally in collaboration with truck manufacturers. Uniform interfaces between charging stations and electric trucks facilitate the development of a pan-European fast-charging network for heavy commercial vehicles.

About the eActros 600...The eActros 600 is equipped with three battery packs, each with 207 kWh, totaling an installed capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology, known for its long service life. Unlike other technologies, LFP allows for the use of more than 95% of the installed capacity, resulting in greater range with the same battery capacity.

The vehicle is technically designed for a GCW of up to 44 tons. With a standard semi-trailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of approximately 22 tons in the European Union, which may be higher depending on national regulations.

The high battery capacity - above 600 kWh, hence the name '600' - combined with a new highly efficient electric drive axle, allows the eActros 600 to achieve a range of 500 km without intermediate recharging.

This range is achieved under realistic conditions with a GCW of 40 tons and can be significantly greater depending on driving style and route.

The eActros 600 can even travel well over 1,000 km per day, with intermediate recharging during mandatory driver breaks, provided charging points are available.

Autonews