Electric trucks face the Arctic: Mercedes-Benz takes the eArocs 400 to –20°C Finland

According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the tests focused on the typical pain points for winter operations: traction and driving stability on snow- and ice-covered roads, cold-start performance, battery and charging behaviour at extreme sub-zero temperatures, and the efficiency of the electric drivetrain and recuperation in winter use.

Michael Kimmich, Head of Development eArocs 400, said the truck showed “stable driving characteristics” during the programme, with “a range and charging profile within the expected parameters”.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the eArocs 400 will go on sale at the beginning of April 2026. Base vehicle production is planned at the manufacturer’s Wörth am Rhein plant starting in the third quarter of 2026, with final integration of the electric powertrain carried out by the Paul Group in Vilshofen an der Donau (Germany).

What the eArocs 400 is intended for

The eArocs 400 is positioned for street-oriented construction transport and will initially be offered in 37-tonne and 44-tonne variants in an 8×4/4 axle configuration, with four wheelbases. Mercedes-Benz Trucks says it can be built as a concrete mixer or construction tipper, covering core applications in this segment.

The company also points to the truck’s “locally CO2e-free” operation during driving and low-noise characteristics as reasons it may be suitable for inner-city low- and zero-emission zones and noise-sensitive settings, including residential areas and night-time construction sites.

Batteries, range and charging: the key numbers

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says the eArocs 400 uses two battery packs based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology, with a total installed capacity of 414 kWh, and an 800-volt on-board electrical system.

For range, the manufacturer cites internal simulations under defined boundary conditions at 20°C ambient temperature:

• up to 200 km as a concrete mixer
• up to 240 km as a construction tipper

The release notes these figures can vary due to factors including topography, weather conditions, speed, preconditioning, auxiliary consumers, vehicle configuration and driving style.

Charging is via a standard CCS2 socket mounted on both sides of the vehicle, with up to 400 kW charging power. Mercedes-Benz Trucks states the battery packs require around 46 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% under the conditions defined in ISO/SAE 12906 (400 kW at a DC fast-charging station with 500 A).

The eArocs 400 features a central drivetrain with an integrated three-speed transmission, with 380 kW continuous power and 450 kW peak performance, according to the manufacturer.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks adds that, alongside the electric drivetrain, the vehicle retains Arocs components such as hypoid and planetary axles intended to support ground clearance and off-road capability for construction-site deployment.