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E-ACTROS EMERGES

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CARGO A GO-GO

CARGO A GO-GO

MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS GIVES WORLD PREMIERE FOR ITS BATTERY-ELECTRIC E-ACTROS / FLYING SPUR HYBRID DETAILS DO NOT COMPROMISE ON LUXURY OR PERFORMANCE

LAUNCHES

RANGE EXTENDER 400KM

The e-Actros: At home on the long range

AN ELECTRIC WORLD PREMIERE FOR MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS’ TRAILBLAZING EACTROS

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has given a world premiere for its battery-electric eActros, a truck it says is suitable for heavyduty short-radius distribution.

The first series-produced electric truck to bear a three-pointed star, the truck can carry up to four battery packs with its twin liquid-cooled motors powering it to a range of 400km. MercedesBenz Trucks says it is ringing in a new era and simultaneously highlighting its clear desire to achieve CO2-neutral roadbased goods transport.

“We have to acknowledge that transport is a part of the problem when it comes to climate change. At the same time, we can and we will be part of the solution,” said Karin Rådström, member of the Board of Management at Daimler Truck AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The company also revealed it is fast tracking the development of its low-floor heavy duty waste management electric truck, the eEconic.

That truck will go into series production later this year, and more battery-powered models are set to follow.

Rådström added: “We start with our eActros that has covered more than half a million kilometers on public roads. The eActros and its dedicated services are a big step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers towards CO2-neutral transport.”

The standard model of the eActros is planned will roll off the production line in Wörth am Rhein (Germany) from autumn 2021. The firm said that feedback from its ‘eActros innovation fleet’ programme, which saw trucks tested in real life fleets, was critical in the development of the series-production model.

Alongside this, proven features such as MirrorCam and the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive have been adopted in the standard specification, said Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “The eActros is now ready to assist customers of MercedesBenz Trucks on the road to CO2-neutral transport services.”

The battery of the eActros seriesproduction model is equipped with either three or four battery packs, each with an energy capacity of around 105 kWh, the firm explains in its launch notes. The maximum battery capacity of 420 kWh enables ranges of up to 400 kilometres to be achieved.

Both liquid-cooled motors generate a continuous output of 330 kW as well as a top performance of 400 kW. With conservative driving the recuperation enables the vehicle to recover electrical energy.

According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the energy obtained in this way during braking is fed back into the batteries of the eActros and is again made available for use by the drive system.

Meanwhile, the two integrated electric motors are claimed to offer great efficiency and a constant delivery of power with high starting torque: “The provision of immediate torque by the electric motors which are coupled with a two-speed transmission ensures powerful acceleration, impressive

PACKING POWER

The E-Actros has a range of up to 400 km and a permissible gross vehicle weight with trailer of up to 40t. Two powerful electric motors delivering a top performance of 400 kW.

A SEAMLESS SWITCH TO E-MOBILITY

Digital services and the new eConsulting teams help customers to make the switch to e-mobility as simply and seamlessly as possible.

driving comfort and driving dynamics which enable more relaxed, low-stress driving than a conventional dieselpowered truck. Plus, the low centre of gravity is also favourable when it comes to cornering. In full-load operations, drivers enjoy a pleasant noise reduction of 10 dB inside the cab, which roughly corresponds to a halving of perceptible noise volume. Thanks to the low noise level, night-time deliveries are also possible. Contrary to a diesel truck, there are also noticeably fewer vibrations.”

The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kW: When connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need a little longer than 1 hour to charge from 20-80%.

SPECIFICATIONS

GVW class

Permissible GVW

Driveline

Power

Chassis

Charging time

18t/25t 40t

Electric drive train

2x126 kW

4x2, 6x2

1 hour (20%-80%)

BENTLEY EARNS ITS E-SPURS

FLYING SPUR HYBRID DOES NOT COMPROMISE LUXURY OR PERFORMANCE

Bentley Motors has released details of the company’s latest luxury model, the Flying Spur Hybrid, as it continues its journey towards electrification. The vehicle builds on the success of the third generation Flying Spur and uses a third powertrain to deliver “the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date”.

Bentley wants to be the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company and this will be its second hybrid. According to Bentley, new sedan demonstrates that the hybridisation of its range does not compromise luxury or performance: “With an unperceivable blend between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, refined serenity is on offer regardless of driving mode or style.”

The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a total of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque. The new Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley ever, capable of covering over 700 km when fully fuelled. With high power reserves, superior torque and quick throttle response, the latest hybrid model gives little away to the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, passing 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds.

Inside the cabin, the automatic Start-Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience.

The combination of a highly efficient engine and advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains on offer today, claims Bentely, “achieving a responsive, engaging and supremely refined experience.”

The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid combines the very latest integrated technology, luxury materials and design prowess, with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. A dedicated button allows control over the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode.

SPECIFICATIONS

Powertrain 2.9-litre V6 petrol Battery 14.1 kWh lithium-ion E-motor power 134 bhp and 400 Nm 0-60 mph 4.1 seconds Top speed 285 km/h

HYBRID POWER 536 BHP

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