In 2023, Mercedes-Benz is delivering 20 battery-electric eActros 300 vehicles to its logistics partners for use in inbound logistics, the company has announced, stressing that the handover of the first twelve vehicles to logistics service providers took place at the Wörth plant on 4 December.
From the first quarter of 2024, these vehicles will be used for around 50 daily all-electric transports to the Wörth plant.
Based on the experience gained in this project, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed the “ELA” (Electrified Logistics Accelerated) consultancy service. ELA consultants from Mercedes-Benz Trucks will support other industrial companies in the electrification of their plant logistics.
Based on the findings of this project, the company has developed the “ELA” (Electrified Logistics Accelerated) consulting service. The specialised ELA consultants from Mercedes-Benz Trucks support other industrial companies in the electrification of their plant logistics.
The project to electrify incoming logistics in Wörth is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) with a total of around €3 million as part of the directive on the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drive systems and the associated refuelling and charging infrastructure (KsNI). The funding programme is coordinated by NOW GmbH and applications are approved by the Federal Logistics and Mobility Office.
“Electric trucks can already cover the majority of delivery routes over short and medium distances,” says Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “We want to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible along the entire value chain. This also includes the issue of inbound logistics at our Wörth plant. We are pleased that many of our logistics partners are now switching to the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros and driving forward the transformation of the industry with us. For some of our logistics partners, this means entering the world of e-mobility. Our team is actively supporting them with advice and services”.
Heavy-duty electric trucks with a range of up to 400 km
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 300/400 has been produced at the Wörth plant since 2021. The distribution truck is available in two versions: the eActros 300 with three battery packs and the eActros 400 with four battery packs, each with a capacity of 112 kWh. The key feature is their range – the eActros 300 can travel up to 330 kilometres on a single charge, while the eActros 400 can travel up to 400 kilometres without stopping to recharge.
The eActros 300 tractor, which shares the same technology as the rigid eActros 300, is equipped with three battery packs of 112 kWh each. This configuration gives the tractor a range of up to 220 kilometres on a single charge. Charging is efficient, with the ability to charge at up to 160 kW. It takes just over an hour to charge the three battery packs from 20 to 80 per cent using a standard 400A DC fast charger.
As part of a pilot project for selected plant logistics customers, the eActros 300 tractor is also available as a lowliner version. This variant is well suited for mega trailers and automotive logistics and offers a potential solution for volume transport requiring an interior height of up to three metres. The eActros 300 Lowliner will go into low-volume production next year and will be available for order from January 2024.
The first logistics partners to use the eActros 300 include companies such as DHL Freight GmbH and Schenker Deutschland AG.
Charging infrastructure
Mercedes-Benz is also reported to be committed to establishing a suitable charging infrastructure at the Wörth plant, with plans to install around 30 charging stations, including high-performance megawatt charging stations, at key points for delivery traffic.