Studies: Mercedes Trucks E-Trucks: E-Builders

At Mercedes Trucks, electrification is happening in quick succession.

Studies: Mercedes Trucks E-Trucks: E-Builders

At Mercedes Trucks, electrification is happening in quick succession. The commercial vehicle specialist has just presented a near-series prototype of the eActros LongHaul (to be released in 2024) with a range of up to 500 kilometers at the IAA Transportation. At the bauma, probably the most important trade fair for the construction industry, Mercedes Trucks is presenting two electric studies that are tailor-made for the special requirements of the clientele.

The first piece of news doesn't seem particularly worth mentioning at first glance. Together with the experts from the Munich tipper trailer manufacturer Meiller, Mercedes has developed an electrical interface for various trailers. This makes it possible to use the previously used hydraulically operated trailers, such as tipping semi-trailers or walking floor trailers, with a fully electric semi-trailer. An important step for the old and new commercial vehicle world to grow together.

Using a hydraulic trailer together with an electric truck was previously not easily feasible. For example, the electric motor of the towing vehicle was combined with a gearbox in order to then use an extra shaft to divert the power for the trailer. However, since Mercedes uses electric axles as the drive for the eActros, this option is no longer available. The solution is a power take-off. So a separate electric motor, which is only responsible for the operation of the trailer. The prototype of such a unit presented at bauma has a continuous output of 58 kW / 79 hp and a torque of 300 Newton meters. "The series version will have a significantly higher performance," assure the Mercedes truck technicians.

The principle remains. The electric auxiliary drive converts the direct current from the truck's own high-voltage network into alternating current using an inverter attached to the rear of the driver's cab. This AC power then powers a pump, which in turn powers the trailer's hydraulics. In this way, the usual devices can continue to be used, even if the tractor unit has already been converted to electric. In addition, the combination of electric semitrailer and hydraulic trailer brings a number of advantages. Compared to the diesel version, this duo is significantly quieter and does not emit any CO2. The compact design of the system has the great advantage that the eActros LongHaul can be operated with various standard trailers. This means that nothing stands in the way of switching to electric trucks.

The second major Mercedes premiere is also all about the E: Mercedes is showing a near-series study of the electrified Arocs construction site truck as the "Prototype Battery-Electric Arocs". A challenge for the technicians. Because the Arcos is the Mercedes truck for really tough long-term use. That is why all elements of the e-truck have to be particularly robust and resistant. In order to master this task, the Swabians have teamed up with the Paul Group, which is equipping the Arocs with an electric drive train. The E-Arocs is equipped with a central electric motor in order to continue using the tried-and-tested planetary axles of the diesel Arocs and to ensure the ground clearance and off-road mobility that are important for use on construction sites.

The construction site electric vehicle is to appear in a small series in 2023 and be available as a four- or three-axle vehicle. Initially, Liebherr truck mixers, flatbed and tipping applications are available as superstructures. The electric drive train has a continuous output of 300 kW / 408 hp and a peak output of more than 400 kW / 544 hp. In order to meet all range requirements and application variants, the Battery-Electric Arocs can be equipped with either six or seven battery packs, each with a usable capacity of 60 kilowatt hours. This should enable ranges of more than 200 kilometers. The 800-volt on-board electrical system enables fast charging times: The six batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 percent within 90 minutes at a 150-kW charging station.

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