Despite the rapidly growing number of heavy-duty EVs on western roads, a number of myths still persist about range, charging infrastructure, and economic viability. To combat those myths, Mercedes-Benz is sharing real-world data from 80 of its deployed electric semi trucks. Here’s what they found.
The data released by Mercedes-Benz covers 80 battery-electric heavy trucks deployed in the company’s own logistics fleet over thousands of trips, thousands of charging cycles, and millions of miles. Their conclusion: electric long‑haul transport is viable today.
A real‑world example from the Ulm‑based logistics company Seifert illustrates a route between Wörth am Rhein and Bielefeld. An eActros 600 with an average gross combination weight of 36 metric tons achieves a daily mileage of around 600 km, with approximately half of the charging events taking place at public charging points. On this route, the electric truck also achieves toll savings of more than €4,000/mo. Annually, this route saves 90 metric tons of CO2e. Average energy consumption between November and February is 100 kWh per 100 km, which is equivalent to approximately 11 liters of diesel.
The data demonstrate that demanding long‑distance routes can already be operated reliably and predictably on this route using today’s public charging infrastructure and economically as well, when TCO is considered.
Those results mirror previous studies from groups like NACFE and Transport Canada, which followed Class 8 electric trucks across a year of North American operations, and further support the idea that battery powered logistics are ready for prime time, saving commercial vehicle fleets both time and money … under the right circumstances.
The report repeatedly shows that success depended less on vehicle capability than on operational alignment. Routes with predictable distances, centralized terminals and controlled return schedules allowed electric trucks to operate efficiently and reliably, while variability and scheduling pressure quickly exposed operational flaws.
Interestingly, too, Mercedes-Benz’ operational data shows its cabover-style eActros trucks achieving an impressive 1.61 kWh / mile efficiency while rolling out at an average of 36 metric tons (~79,400 lbs.) combined vehicle weight.
That number compares very favorably to the Tesla Semi team’s claimed 1.55 kWh / mile efficiency. It should also be noted that ArcBest, the logistics company operating the Tesla Semi prototypes that recorded those numbers, is traditionally an LTL, or “less-than-truckload” freight carrier, and did not reveal the average combined vehicle weight of the loads it was running when its trucks recorded that 1.55 kWh / mile number.
Mercedes’ number, for what its worth, was achieved under heavy loads and in cold weather (between Novemeber and February), while the ArcBest numbers were recorded on routes between Reno, Nevada, and Sacramento, California – which get cold enough, but are hardly comparable to a German winter.
All of which is to say that, regardless of which electric semi truck your fleet eventually chooses to deploy, it might be a lot more efficient – and save you a lot more money – than you might think.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Mercedes-Benz.
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