Imagine a massive electric truck colliding with an object weighing over a ton at speeds exceeding 50 km/h—and the battery remains unscathed. Sounds like science fiction? Well, Daimler Truck just made it a reality. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the company touts the safety of their eActros 600’s battery in side-impact crash tests, skeptics might wonder if this level of protection comes at the cost of practicality or affordability. Let’s dive in.
In a series of real-world crash tests conducted in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, Daimler Truck put their eActros 600 to the ultimate test. The results? Impressive. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer proudly announced that the high-voltage battery modules remained intact, and the housing showed no critical deformations. This feat was achieved thanks to a specially designed frame architecture tailored to withstand heavy-duty collisions. Before the actual crash, the team conducted simulation-based analyses and meticulously calibrated sensors to ensure accuracy.
Frank Müller, Head of Accident Research & Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, weighed in: ‘The mechanical stress was undeniably high, but our safety concept proved its reliability.’ The tests didn’t stop at side collisions—front crashes were also part of the lineup. Here, the focus was on the reinforced cab and strategically placed energy absorption zones, which worked together to dissipate impact forces through crash-optimized structures. Inside the cab, airbag systems and seatbelt tensioners activated seamlessly, further safeguarding occupants.
And this is the part most people miss: These crash tests aren’t just a one-time showcase. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is conducting them a full year after series production began, emphasizing their commitment to ‘continuous improvements.’ Field data is constantly fed back into the product range, and the company’s internal accident research team has been analyzing real-world accident data from the early stages of development. The goal? To tailor safety measures to the unique challenges of heavy-duty trucking.
Felix Pietler, a passive safety developer at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, summed it up: ‘From the start, we refused to compromise on vehicle safety. With electric trucks, it’s not just about protecting passengers—safeguarding the immediate surroundings is equally critical.’ This holistic approach sets the eActros 600 apart in the electric trucking landscape.
Speaking of the eActros 600, this powerhouse made its global debut in October 2023, boasting a battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt-hours—hence its name. The XXL electric vehicle features an in-house developed electric drive axle with 400 kW continuous power and up to 600 kW peak power. It also includes a ‘front box’ that houses control units, high-voltage components, and an electric air compressor in the former engine compartment. With a range of 500 kilometers, the eActros 600 can be charged via CCS at up to 400 kW. And once the MCS standard is finalized, it’ll even support megawatt charging.
Here’s the burning question: As electric trucks become more prevalent, will safety innovations like these become the norm, or will they remain a premium feature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more details, visit daimlertruck.com. This article was originally published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition, available at electrive.net.
