(January 3, 2021) HAMBURG, Germany — The battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eActros is starting another customer trial with Netto Marken-Discount in the greater Hamburg area. The food discounter is testing the heavy-duty electric truck to supply its Hamburg supermarkets with, for example, fruit, vegetables, dairy products and dry goods. The eActros does three to four tours every day, often covering distances of more than 100 kilometers (62 miles). Between tours, the vehicle is recharged at the Netto depot in Henstedt-Ulzburg just outside Hamburg.

The experts at Mercedes-Benz Trucks have also approved the vehicle for use with Netto with the “additional ton” allowed by the EU directive on alternative drive systems. The eActros in use with Netto can therefore now have a gross vehicle weight of 26 tons instead of the previous 25 tons, which means it can carry an extra ton of cargo.

Patrick Gentner, account manager at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said “More than two years ago, we started testing the battery-powered eActros with the so-called innovation fleet. Already in the first test phase, the eActros was in use for the transport of temperature-controlled products in various cities. We are very pleased that Netto Marken-Discount, our long-standing and valued partner, is now also participating in the intensive customer testing of the Mercedes-Benz eActros for heavy-duty distribution transport. The urban transport of refrigerated foods in particular is an important application for the battery-electric eActros, which is now making great strides towards series production in the coming year.”

The refrigerated swap body of the eActros used by Netto  has optimized insulation for the energy-efficient transport of goods that require refrigeration. Its robust construction is ideal for intensive daily use. The purely electrically powered cooling unit operates completely emission-free and is specially designed for use in distribution transport. The vehicle bodies are largely provided by Schmitz Cargobull also in the second test phase of the eActros.

The eActros has been in the second phase of its practical testing as part of the so-called innovation fleet during 2020. One of the many findings gained during the practical tests is that the eActros’s range of about 200 kilometers (124 miles) has proven to be "absolutely realistic" — regardless of payload, route or topography.

The eActros is in no way inferior to a conventional diesel truck in terms of availability and performance in urban traffic, on highways or overland routes. The cooling system for the cargo as well as the air conditioning — both of which are electrically operated — have been operating without any restrictions in both extreme heat and winter conditions. Drivers are very pleased with the continuous availability of torque across the entire speed range. They also report in particular on the quiet driving style and a pleasant, smooth driving experience. In addition, when driving with foresight, electrical energy can be recovered through recuperation.