Rectory Gas Supplies adds Krone trailers to fleet
Krone UK supplied two dropside trailers to the North Yorkshire-based company
News - Commercial Motor
May 10, 2024
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is set to embark on its most extensive testing programme with the eActros 600 from 11 June. Two near-series production prototypes will travel more than 13,000km through 20 countries in Europe, running at 40 tonnes.
Dr Christof Weber, head of global testing Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “We have put various prototypes of the eActros 600 through their paces over the last few years. Whether in the north of Finland or the south of Spain, the vehicle has long proven what it can do. With series development, we are now on the finishing straight. The ‘eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’ enables us to send out a clear message a few months prior to the launch of series production: We are firmly convinced that the two eActros 600 prototypes will master extremely well this enormous feat of strength involving the most extensive test run by Mercedes-Benz Trucks to date.”
The results of the testing will be shared with interested customers and a wider goal of the programme is to prove the viability of long distance transport powered by electric. The team intends to use public charging stations to recharge the vehicles during the testing tour. With the 600kWh battery, range is expected to be 500km on a single charge.
Stina Fagerman, head of marketing, sales and services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “There is very great customer interest in the eActros 600. Since the start of sales at the end of last year, we have already recorded more than 1,000 firm orders, and have reached a four-digit figure with letters of intent, too. This is all the more impressive in light of the fact that the customer demonstrator vehicles will not start out until the second half of the year. The vehicle has already convinced many customers in advance.”
At Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ site in Wörth am Rhein and at Daimler Truck AG’s headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen the tour will unofficially begin 10 June. As the start date approaches, Mercedes-Benz will release more details about the route.
Fagerman added: “With the 'eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024’, we are placing our focus on expanding our expertise in the areas of consumption and deployment options of the e-truck under a wide range of conditions, allowing us to provide our customers with even sounder consulting services. In addition, we intend to inform decision-makers in politics and the energy sector as well as the general public about the possibilities provided by battery-electric drives in the long-haul segment, and in this way further boost the momentum in building up the necessary infrastructure.”
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh between 4-6 June. Registrations are now open, so book your free place now!
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