Holcim, the Swiss manufacturer of construction materials, will rely on the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 to implement its large-scale sustainability strategy.
The firm plans to add a total of 1,000 units of this battery electric truck model to its European fleet, which made its global debut in October 2023.
The volume represents the largest planned individual order to date for the eActros 600 and contributes to the achievement of both companies’ sustainability goals.
Most of the electric trucks will be used with silo trailers for the demanding transportation of construction materials such as cement.
Karin Rådström, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, stated, “Holcim is one of the most important clients of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in the construction industry.”
“We are very pleased that the company has chosen the eActros 600 as part of its transition to alternative propulsion systems. Our electric truck with the three-pointed star sets new standards in terms of efficiency,” she added.
The high capacity battery of over 600 kilowatt-hours and a newly developed internally efficient electric drive axle enable the e-truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometers without intermediate charging.
Therefore, the eActros 600 will be able to cover significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day.
This is possible through intermediate charging during legally mandated driver breaks, even without megawatt charging.
Miljan Gutovic, Regional Director of Europe at Holcim, remarked, “We are excited to partner with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to electrify our fleet, accelerating our goal for 30 per cent of our heavy truck purchases or contracts to be zero-emission by 2030.”
What features does the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 have?
In addition to CCS charging with up to 400 kilowatts, the eActros 600 will also allow for megawatt charging (MCS).
Customers can request pre-installation for this from the start of sales.
As soon as MCS technology becomes available and standardizes among manufacturers, it is expected to be adaptable to these eActros 600 models.
Batteries can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a suitable charging station with a power of around one megawatt.
Visually, the e-truck is characterized by a fundamentally new purist design, with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape.
In terms of profitability for fleet operators, the electric truck will set new standards and replace most diesel trucks in the important long-distance transport segment in the long term.
The core of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ concept for long-distance transport with electric batteries is to offer customers a comprehensive solution that includes vehicle technology, advice, charging infrastructure, and services.
Series production is scheduled to start at the end of 2024.
In addition to the tractor unit, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also produce rigid variants of the eActros 600 from its market launch, offering customers other possible applications for fully electric transport.
A fleet of around fifty prototype vehicles is currently being built, some of which will also undergo practical testing with early customers in the next step.
Read more: New CO2 Standard Agreement: What do stakeholders in the eMobility sector think?
