Keith Andrews facilitates Mercedes-Benz eActros North Island test

The fully electric 19T eActros has arrived in New Zealand for validation testing in partnership with Daimler Truck dealer network partners. 

• Validation now under way with customer participation 
• Keith Andrews facilitating trial across North Island 

The eActros is focused on heavy-duty, short radius distribution. An eActros 300 4x2 cab chassis model, with a range of up to 330km*, is now being put through its paces in New Zealand’s North Island in an exciting development for operators looking to transition to zero emission vehicles across a wider range of applications.  

Development trucks have been at work in select fleets in Europe since 2018, impressing customers with its advanced design, strong performance and efficiency.  

It is the first heavy-duty, zero-emission truck from Daimler and follows its launch of the FUSO eCanter as the world’s first series-produced electric truck, which arrived in New Zealand in 2021. There are two 4x2 models and three 6x2 options planned for the eActros range in major markets.  

The eActros is going through an evaluation phase ahead of its release in New Zealand. Daimler Truck and the dealer network will provide updates on availability once the evaluation phase is complete. 

eActros has already won a prestigious 2023 Truck Innovation Award due to its innovative lithium-iron phosphate cell (LFP) battery technology, e-axle (an electric axle with two motors that provides continuous output of 330kW and maximum output of 400kW) and the speed of its development (one year from concept to presentation). 

The eActros was unveiled in Australia at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show. Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia Pacific Director, Andrew Assimo, said that excitement around the truck was “unprecedented”. 

“The innovative eActros will help customers reduce transport carbon emissions in a practical way. We know the drivers will also welcome them, because anyone who has had a taste of these incredible trucks comes away with a smile on their face,” Assimo said. 

^{* The range was determined internally under optimal conditions, including 3 battery packs after preconditioning in partially loaded distribution traffic without a trailer with a 4x2 axle configuration at 20°C outside temperature.}