In this test drive, Tim Giles goes for a whirl in the first electric prime mover from Mercedes-Benz to be released in Australia.

The step-by-step transition across to zero emission vehicles has taken another leap forward here in Australia with the introduction of an electric prime mover fitted with an e-axle.

This is opposed to motive power in the prime mover coming from an electric motor placed in front of the current model’s transmission in the engine bay, as is the case with the Volvo prime movers released last year.

Mercedes-Benz seem to be one step ahead of Volvo in the development of their electric truck offering, but this is not an unusual situation for Volvo to find itself in, as it tends to be more conservative in its technology decisions, taking its time to get things right. However, there is an e-axle from Volvo in the future program for Australia.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros truck tested in this particular road test is the 4×2 prime mover. Development of the eActros with tandem drives is still ongoing, and Daimler is not willing to predict a date for its arrival, just yet. Here is where the more conservative attitude from Volvo comes into play, as it has been able to start selling electric 6×4 prime movers in Australia this year.

Image: Mercedes-Benz Trucks

This 4×2 eActros is aimed at the prime market sector which is likely to be interested in this kind of product. The truck is ideal for freight tasks, which are not at top weights, such as supermarket distribution from DC to supermarket as well as other metropolitan distribution tasks, warehouse to warehouse or warehouse to shop type applications. There is also interest from container and car haulers for this kind of truck.

The back to base nature of the work and the opportunity to recharge trucks parked on a loading bay makes these trucks a viable option. Also, the near silent running of the trucks makes them more attractive in busy urban environments. There is also the publicity aspect to these sorts of truck purchases – the city dwellers driving on busy streets around the city see them every day, plastered with signage touting the corporate customer’s green credentials.

“We think the eActros prime mover is perfect for certain applications where full-electric operation is really important,” says Andrew Assimo, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Operations, Logistics and Processing (AUS & NZL) at Daimler Truck Australia Pacific. “The way it pulls up over hills and bridges with ease means the drivers will enjoy it as well. This is a great example of how operators can achieve their sustainability goals and still get the job done.

“Don’t forget that it is in the big cities, where there are so many people, that zero emission operation of trucks like the eActros and the eEconic makes the most difference. Our customers are after a fully-integrated solution, with the latest technology, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this eActros as either a rigid or prime mover and also the eEconic as a more specific waste-focussed vehicle.

“This is the only truck in its class with an e-axle and we know it is the best technology for efficiency. The customers also know that it is a Daimler Truck product that is the result of massive research and development and supported by an experienced and well-trained dealership network.”