Fleets invited to trial fridge-bodied Mercedes eActros

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has partnered with Solomon Commercials to launch a fridge-bodied eActros electric truck.

The vehicle made its debut at the ITT Hub event, in Farnborough, on May 9. It will now be offered for live demonstrations to operators across the country.

Based on a 4x2 eActros 300, the truck is fitted with three battery packs with a total capacity of 336kWh. It has a range of up to 205 miles and can be recharged from 20% to 80% in 75 minutes, using a 400A 160kW charger.

James Venables, head of future sustainability at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “The eActros is a truck for a new era, and by launching this refrigerated demonstrator we’re showing that it’s ready to work in real-life applications – anyone interested in trialling this exciting vehicle should contact their Mercedes-Benz Dealer as soon as possible.

“We’re here to support operators on the journey towards CO2-neutral transport too, though. All our Dealers are fully qualified and eTruck-ready, while our team of eConsultants can provide valuable advice and assistance on all aspects of electric truck operation, from charging infrastructure, to a range of digital services to increase utilisation and optimise the total cost of ownership.”

The eActros was designed from the ground up as an electric truck. Its twin electric motors are located within the rear eAxle, which frees up space for the batteries to be set across the full width of the vehicle. The motors drive through a transmission with two forward and two reverse gears, allowing the truck to cruise at up to 55mph. 

The body is designed for optimum aerodynamic efficiency to reduce drag and thereby helps to maximise range. It features a full Solomon Slipstream system incorporating tapered bulkhead, 3D roof deflector and sloping Kamm tail. Refrigeration is controlled by a Carrier TRS Syberia overcab chiller unit and Carrier Datacold temperature monitoring system.

At the rear there’s a 1,500Kg Dhollandia column tail lift, as well as a reversing camera which is integrated with the truck’s Multimedia Cockpit display screens, so no extra in-cab hardware is required. Other standard equipment includes MirrorCam, Active Brake Assist 5, and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.

Solomon Commercials' managing director Anthony Clegg added: “The road to net zero is no longer an optional extra; it’s a certainty, and more and more customers are actively looking to introduce carbon-neutral policies and to minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment.

“We’re proud to work with manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, helping customers transition to zero-emissions transport. Adopting these vehicles is certainly picking up pace, particularly with the Government wanting to reach stringent emissions targets and create clean-air cities. Electric vehicles will play an important role in ensuring this is achieved.”