Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), in its global ambition to offer 100% CO2-neutral transportation by 2050, unveiled its first fully battery-electric truck range at a recent eMobility event in Johannesburg.
The trucking giant, with its local manufacturing operation in the East London IDZ, started the surge into a greener future with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 4x2 and 6x2 rigid, available in a 40-ton tractor variant, and the eActros 400 6x2 rigid.
The opening of the order book coincided with the launch of the “zero noise, zero-emission” FUSO eCanter range as customer trials continued in SA for the next-generation all-electric, light-duty truck.
The range focuses only on light and heavy-duty distribution applications until local weight and length legislation allows for long-haul application vehicles.
DTSA president Maretha Gerber, the first woman within the global Daimler Group to occupy the position, said the launch of the eActros and the eCanter in SA is a massive feat for for the group.
“While we know that reaching our goal of offering 100% CO2-neutral products by 2050 will require various zero-emission technologies, this launch represents the vital first step for us in building a sustainable transportation future.
“We look forward to customer feedback to better support them as we tread new grounds.”
The eActros 300, at a gross vehicle mass (GVM) between 19 to 27 tons, comes with three Lithium-Ion Battery packs with a 336-kWh battery capacity offering a travel range of up to 330km.
They charge from 20% to 80% at 160kW in 75 minutes.
The truck also offers body and payloads ranging from 8.2 to 16.1 tons.
The eActros 400, is equipped with four Lithium-Ion Battery packs with a battery capacity of 4482 kWh and offers a travel range of up to 400 kilometres.
Both vehicles have a drive unit comprising of a rigid electric axle with two integrated, liquid-cooled, electric motors and a two-speed transmission delivering a continuous output of 330 kW and a peak output of 400 kW.
DTSA announced its ongoing plans for the FUSO eCanter range, entailing the roll-out of extended collaborative customer trials, after which it will be available for sale on an operating lease.
The eCanter has six HV battery packs with a capacity of 83 kWh and a travel range of up to 100km.
Its charging time on quick charge is a maximum of 90 minutes on a 50 kW DC charger and 11 hours on regular charging.
It has a single-speed transmission, with a Gross Vehicle Mass of 7.5 tons, a body and payload capacity of 4.2 tons, a wheelbase of 3400mm and an overall length of 5952mm.
The electric motor performance generates 135 kW and 390 Nm torque.
Gerber said a significant investment from various parties and support and collaboration across the industry was required to make battery electric truck operations a viable solution in SA.
“Especially when it comes to charging infrastructure,” she said.
“DTSA welcomes public and private initiatives that contribute to EV charging for trucks as a catalyst for electric truck adoption.
“We look forward to seeing what the future holds in Daimler Trucks’ continued quest to offer 100% zero-emission products by 2050.”
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.