Mercedes-Benz Trucks wins the covered ITotY award for the tenth time; the battery-electric eActros 600 impresses the jury with its advanced aerodynamics, powertrain performance, and reliable range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging.
17 Sep 2024 | 4683 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Commercial vehicle journalists from 24 European countries have voted the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 the International Truck of the Year 2025. The award is the most important prize in the industry.
The jury praised the innovative overall technological concept of the heavy-duty long-haul truck, which impressed with its modern ...
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Commercial vehicle journalists from 24 European countries have voted the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 the International Truck of the Year 2025. The award is the most important prize in the industry.
The jury praised the innovative overall technological concept of the heavy-duty long-haul truck, which impressed with its modern drive technology, high energy efficiency, and a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging as part of the ‘eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’ – a more than 15,000-kilometre-long, all-electric development journey through a total of 22 countries, with a gross combination mass of 40 tons.
On numerous daily stages of the tour, it would have even been theoretically possible to achieve ranges of more than 600 kilometres without intermediate charging. Along the entire route, the two long-haul trucks have been charged exclusively at public charging points.
Karin Rådström, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award at an IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover from Gianenrico Griffini, Chairman of the ITotY jury.
“From the very beginning, Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 as an electric truck. The result is a state-of-the-art battery-electric vehicle that is adept at a wide range of long-distance applications,” said Gianenrico Griffini, summing up the jury’s decision.
“We are proud and excited that the jury selected our eActros 600 as the ‘International Truck of the year 2025’. Almost all members of the jury have already spent time behind the wheel, testing the eActros 600 on the roads throughout Europe – so they had the opportunity to personally experience the truck’s ability to perform. Today is a proud day for the teams that have worked so hard in the last years to make this truck a leader in the market,” said Karin Radstrom.
According to the jury rules, the title is awarded annually to the truck that has made the biggest contribution to innovations in road transport in terms of efficiency, emissions, safety, vehicle dynamics, and comfort. Since the introduction of the International Truck of the Year award in 1977, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has now won the title ten times in total. This year, the manufacturer also impressed the jury for the first time with a battery-electric vehicle.
The many ITotY journalists who took part in the eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024 by Mercedes-Benz Trucks praised the advanced aerodynamics of the new ProCabin driver’s cab. Improved aerodynamics are particularly important for battery-electric trucks in long-distance haulage, as air resistance is one of the main factors influencing energy consumption. In addition, more energy can be recovered during recuperation due to the reduced air resistance, which leads to a longer range.
The performance of the powertrain, the smooth acceleration and the vibration-free working environment with the various drive programs was also rated positively by ITotY journalists. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed a new electric axle, designed for 800 volts with two electric motors and a four-speed transmission, specifically for use in long-distance haulage. The electric motors generate a continuous output of 400 kW, as well as a peak output of 600 kW. In addition, the eActros 600 features the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) cruise control and transmission control system, which is explicitly matched to the electric drive. Predictive Powertrain Control automatically takes account of the topography, road layout and traffic signs for the most efficient driving style possible.
eActros 600 start of series production in November 2024
The eActros 600 for long-distance haulage celebrated its world premiere end of 2023. The high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours – hence the model designation 600 – and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house enable the electric truck to achieve a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging.
This range is accomplished under very realistic and practical conditions with a gross combination mass of 40 tons, and can also be significantly exceeded depending on the driving style and route. The eActros 600 will even be able to cover well over 1,000 kilometres per day. Intermediate charging during statutory driver breaks – even without megawatt charging – makes this possible, provided that charging options are available. In addition to CCS charging with up to 400 kW, the eActros 600 will later also enable megawatt charging (MCS).
Visually, the long-haul electric truck is characterized by a fundamentally new, minimalist design with clear lines and an aerodynamic shape. In terms of profitability for fleet operators, the electric truck will set new standards and replace the majority of diesel trucks in the important long-distance transport segment in the long term. The core of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks concept for battery-powered long-distance haulage is to offer customers a holistic transportation solution comprising vehicle technology, consulting, a charging infrastructure, and services with the new TruckCharge brand.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will celebrate the start of series production of the eActros 600 at the end of November this year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. The first eActros 600 customer vehicles will be manufactured and registered before the end of 2024.