German Logistics Giant Orders 100 Long-Haul Electric Trucks from Mercedes

The decision by DB Schenker, a global leader in logistics, to order 100 Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul electric trucks marks a significant milestone in the commercial trucking industry. 

With a single-charge range of approximately 500 km and more than 600 kWh of battery capacity, these trucks are ideally suited for long-haul routes, an application previously considered challenging to electrify. 

This significant order underscores the accelerating pace of the transition to electric vehicles in sectors that are essential to the global economy but have been difficult to decarbonize.

For DB Schenker, the adoption of electric trucks aligns well with their goal to become the world’s leading provider of green logistics. Cyrille Bonjean, the head of land transport at DB Schenker Europe, noted that the eActros LongHaul allows them to expand the usage of battery-electric vehicles to long-distance routes. 

This represents a broadening of the scope of electric vehicle applicability, offering a compelling solution for reducing carbon emissions and other environmental impacts.

On the technical side, the eActros LongHaul is powered by three battery packs, driving a pair of electric motors in a new e-axle design. With continuous and peak outputs of 400 kW and over 600 kW, respectively, these trucks offer robust performance alongside their impressive range. They will be available in both tractor and rigid configurations, catering to a variety of logistical needs.

For Mercedes-Benz, this order from DB Schenker could serve as a high-profile validation of their eActros LongHaul trucks, likely encouraging other logistics and transportation companies to consider electric options for their fleets. 

Stina Fagerman, head of marketing, sales, and services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expressed that the company is particularly pleased that DB Schenker, already a partner in using Mercedes-Benz’s electric distribution trucks, has now chosen their electric long-haul vehicle.

This development should be encouraging for both the electric vehicle and logistics industries, indicating that battery-electric trucks are ready for prime time in even the most demanding applications. 

For policymakers, environmental advocates, and the general public, the movement of significant players like DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz toward electric vehicles is a positive sign that meaningful progress is being made in reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics and transportation sectors.