Daimler Truck introduces eActros Lowliner
Lowliners are characterised by an exceptionally low fifth-wheel height of 950 mm, enabling the use of so-called megatrailers with an internal loading height of three metres. This is crucial for volume transport, particularly in automotive logistics, as megatrailers can accommodate up to 99 standard lattice boxes on a third stacking level. The automotive industry uses these boxes for transporting components. In contrast, standard semi-trailers can only hold 66 such lattice boxes.This significant difference is why the Volvo converter Designwerk introduced a battery-electric Lowliner in 2022 – and why MAN decided to offer its MAN eTGX as a Lowliner from the first customer delivery in October 2024.Now, Daimler Truck is following suit with its Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand. The battery-electric eActros 600, also introduced at the end of 2024, will soon be available as a lowliner variant. The new model is set to be unveiled in September at the IAA Transportation in Hanover. Orders are expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, with the first units rolling off the production line at the Wörth am Rhein plant in the second quarter of 2027.Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, states: “The eActros Lowliner marks the next step in the expansion of our battery‑electric long‑haul portfolio. It is consistently designed for high‑volume transport with mega trailers and is based on the proven technology of the eActros 600. This significantly broadens the range of applications available to our customers once again.”The Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner will be offered as a 4×2 tractor unit with a 4,000 mm wheelbase and matches the fifth-wheel heights and ground clearance of comparable diesel trucks. With this, Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to target the same customer base as Designwerk and MAN with their electric Lowliners, namely the automotive sector and other industries requiring high-volume transport with maximum internal height. By aligning with the dimensions of its diesel Lowliner models, Mercedes-Benz Trucks ensures seamless integration of the electric trucks into existing fleets.The new eActros Lowliner is available with either two or three LFP battery packs, each with 207 kWh. The eActros 400 Lowliner features two packs, totalling 414 kWh of installed battery capacity, while the eActros 600 Lowliner has three packs, totalling 621 kWh. The range of the eActros 600 Lowliner variant is expected to be roughly on par with the standard eActros 600, which achieves a range of 500 kilometres without intermediate charging with three battery packs and a gross combination weight of 40 tonnes.The eActros 400 Lowliner, equipped with only two battery packs, has a lower vehicle weight and therefore offers a higher payload than the eActros 600 Lowliner with three battery packs. The difference amounts to around three tonnes: while the eActros 400 Lowliner can carry up to 24 tonnes, the eActros 600 Lowliner is limited to 21 tonnes of payload.The vehicles can be charged at up to 400 kW via the standard CCS2 charging socket on the left side of the vehicle. Two battery packs take around 46 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent, while three battery packs require approximately 70 minutes. In addition to CCS charging, both model variants will later support megawatt charging (MCS). An optional additional MCS charging socket on the left side of the vehicle can be ordered for this purpose.daimlertruck.com
