The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 battery withstood a severe side impact during a crash test

Daimler Truck has published the results of crash tests of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric tractor. The tests showed that the high-voltage battery and all electrical components remained intact even in a serious side impact.

What's known

The tests were carried out in Neumünster, Germany. The truck was subjected to a side impact by a special trolley weighing over a ton, which was moving at a speed of 50 km/h. The manufacturer was satisfied with the results: the high-voltage battery modules were undamaged, and the body did not undergo critical deformations thanks to a specially developed frame. Before the crash test, specialists conducted computer simulations and installed high-precision sensor equipment.

Frank Müller, head of accident research and passive safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, noted that in addition to side collisions, frontal crash tests were also conducted. The reinforced cabin with energy-absorbing zones at the front effectively dissipates the impact force, while airbags and seat belt pretensioners are activated inside.

The company explains that these tests are ongoing now, a year after serial production started, to continually improve safety. The results of field studies are constantly being implemented into the design of the equipment. From the initial development stages, the internal accident analysis team used real accident data to optimize protective elements, focusing on typical heavy vehicle accident scenarios.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 debuted in October 2023. The name is linked to the battery capacity, which exceeds 600 kWh. The truck is equipped with a new electric drive with a power of 400 kW (peak up to 600 kW) and has a unique "front box" housing control units, high-voltage components, and an electric compressor. The range is about 500 kilometers. Charging is possible via the CCS connector at speeds up to 400 kW, and support for megawatt charging according to the MCS standard will be implemented in the future.

Source: Daimler Truck