More tonnes, fewer kilometres: Mercedes unveils new eActros range

The German manufacturer today presented the eActros 400 at a press event in Molsheim, France, marking the first major expansion of its second-generation electric truck portfolio. The new variant joins the existing eActros 600 long-haul model, which has been in series production since late 2024 and currently operates across more than 15 European countries.

The eActros 400 addresses a critical market barrier: cost. Equipped with two battery packs delivering 414 kWh of installed capacity, it offers transport operators a lower entry price point compared to the three-battery eActros 600 with its 621 kWh capacity. However, Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed specific pricing for either model.

Payload gains versus range limits

The two-battery configuration brings a significant operational advantage beyond price. The reduced vehicle weight increases maximum fifth-wheel load to 9.5 tonnes, delivering a payload of over 25 tonnes when combined with a standard semitrailer—more than three tonnes above the eActros 600’s capacity. This brings the eActros 400 closer to diesel truck payload levels, addressing a persistent concern amongst hauliers evaluating electric alternatives.

The compromise comes in range. An eActros 400 configured as a 6×2 with dry box body achieves up to 480 kilometres when partially loaded at 20°C ambient temperature in heavy-duty distribution work. By comparison, the eActros 600 can reach 560 kilometres in long-haul configuration under optimal conditions. Both figures are derived from internal simulations and real-world testing, though Mercedes-Benz acknowledges actual range will vary based on topography, weather, speed, and driving style.

An eActros 400 semitrailer tractor equipped with the standard L-cab and two battery packs achieves approximately 330 kilometres in long-haul operation—considerably less than the three-battery eActros 600 with ProCabin.

More than 40 ways to configure the eActros

Mercedes-Benz has adopted an unusually flexible configuration strategy. Customers can now choose between two cab types, multiple wheelbase options, various axle configurations, and either two or three battery packs across both semitrailer tractors and platform chassis variants.

The L-cab, carried over from the conventional Actros range, sits 170mm lower for easier driver entry and measures 2.3 metres wide. Available in Classic or StreamSpace variants, it suits distribution operations with frequent stops. The newer ProCabin—2.5 metres wide with a flat floor and three interior specifications—targets long-haul operators requiring overnight accommodation and benefits from improved aerodynamic efficiency.

New wheelbase options for the eActros 400 include a 3,700mm variant for 4×2 semitrailer tractors, aimed at improving manoeuvrability in tight urban spaces. Platform chassis variants now span six different wheelbases for 6×2 configurations, ranging from 4,000mm to 5,800mm. The eActros 600 receives similar expansion, with new 4×2 platform options and additional 6×2 wheelbases.

“We have consistently developed the second generation of the eActros as a modular model,” said Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, head of product engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Thanks to this modularity and the combinable options for battery capacity, cab and chassis, we offer over 40 combination options for the basic vehicle of the eActros.”

Charging times and technical setup

Both models share core technology developed for the eActros 600. An integrated electric axle houses two motors and a four-speed transmission, producing 400 kW continuous output and 600 kW peak power. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry offers over 95% usable capacity and operates on an 800-volt system.

Charging occurs via standard CCS2 connections at up to 400 kW. The two-battery eActros 400 requires approximately 46 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, whilst the three-battery eActros 600 needs around 70 minutes under the same conditions. An optional second charging socket can be fitted. The eActros 600 with ProCabin will later support megawatt charging, though no timeline has been specified.

Five recuperation levels allow drivers to adjust energy recovery during deceleration, with a one-pedal driving mode available. The Predictive Powertrain Control system considers topography, road conditions, and navigation data to optimise energy efficiency automatically.

Profitability and infrastructure challenges

Despite the technical advances, Mercedes-Benz’s chief executive acknowledged significant challenges facing electric truck adoption.

“The eActros 600 proves that battery-electric long-distance haulage is a reality—the vehicle is already operating successfully in over 15 European countries,” said Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “But one thing is clear: For the transformation to succeed, the expansion of the charging infrastructure must keep pace with the vehicles, and the operation must be profitable for our customers.”

Under the TruckCharge brand, Daimler Truck together with Scania aims to establish 3,000 fast-charging points across Europe by 2030, involving its network of over 1,000 dealers and encouraging customers to open their charging infrastructure to third parties. The company positions this as Europe’s largest electric truck charging network, though execution timelines and investment details remain unclear.

Carbon footprint claims under the spotlight

Mercedes-Benz cites CO₂ savings of approximately 40% compared to diesel equivalents when charged using the average EU electricity mix. This figure rises above 80% when exclusively renewable energy powers the vehicles, calculated over a 10-year lifecycle.

For an eActros 600 semitrailer tractor with ProCabin, this translates to savings of 436 tonnes of CO₂ using EU average electricity, or 871 tonnes with renewable energy. The platform chassis variant in the same configuration saves 458 or 939 tonnes respectively.

Choosing a two-battery configuration over three also reduces production-related emissions by approximately 22 tonnes of CO₂—a 23% reduction in manufacturing impact. However, these figures derive from lifecycle assessments conducted according to ISO standards and reviewed by TÜV Rheinland. Mercedes-Benz notes that methodology choices significantly influence results and advises against direct comparisons with other manufacturers’ models.

Phasing out old models, rolling out new ones

The new variants become available to order from October 2025 across EU30 markets and selected non-EU territories, with partial production rollout scheduled for 2025 at the Wörth am Rhein plant. Both models will be manufactured on the existing assembly line alongside diesel-powered trucks.

Mercedes-Benz will discontinue first-generation eActros 300/400 models by year-end, though the eEconic municipal truck continues unchanged. An eArocs 400 construction variant, presented at Bauma 2025, launches next year incorporating eActros 600 technology.

Daimler Truck Financial Services offers integrated leasing packages with guaranteed residual values, incorporating service contracts and uptime guarantees. In Germany, CharterWay provides all-inclusive rental options with flexible contract terms, though neither financing structure includes published pricing.

The strategic question remains whether the expanded configuration range and lower-cost entry model can overcome the dual barriers of infrastructure gaps and total cost of ownership uncertainty that continue to slow electric truck adoption across European fleets.