The two eActros 600 trucks, each operating with a gross combination mass of 40 tonnes, travelled through ten countries, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. During the 16-day test, the vehicles faced temperatures ranging from -18°C to 9°C.
The testing demonstrated that winter conditions increase energy consumption for electric heavy-duty trucks. Cold air density increases aerodynamic drag, and winter tyres generate higher rolling resistance, leading to a 25 percent increase in energy consumption on snow-free roads and up to 50 percent in snowy and icy conditions. Heating the cabin to 21°C during driving and 19°C for overnight stays resulted in a 2 to 5 percent reduction in range, indicating that driver comfort has a minimal effect on overall energy efficiency. Reduced recuperation efficiency in winter contributed to an additional 4 percent in energy loss.
Despite the vehicle’s strong winter performance, Mercedes-Benz Trucks emphasised the ongoing shortage of public charging stations for electric trucks. The test relied exclusively on public chargers, with limited locations providing sufficient capacity. Some charging stations required unhitching the trailer, adding logistical challenges. Scandinavian countries offered better charging options, but these remained an exception rather than the norm.
The trial also tested the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Remote 3.0 app, allowing drivers to monitor battery status and charging progress remotely, receive push notifications in case of charging interruptions, and reduce downtime by avoiding the need to remain at the truck during charging.
The eActros 600 entered series production in late 2024 and is now being delivered to customers. The truck, which features a total battery capacity of 621 kWh, is designed for up to 1.2 million kilometres of operation over ten years, retaining over 80 percent of battery capacity. It was recently awarded the International Truck of the Year 2025.
The findings of this winter test underline the practicality of electric trucks in harsh conditions but also highlight key challenges. Efficiency trade-offs in cold weather need to be factored into operational planning, and charging infrastructure remains a bottleneck for widespread adoption. The minimal impact of cabin heating means drivers do not need to compromise on comfort.