Mercedes-Benz Deploys First eActros 600 Electric Semi in Chile, Expanding South American Footprint

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered its first eActros 600 electric long-haul truck in Chile, marking a significant step in the company’s South American expansion and the broader adoption of battery-electric transport in the region. The initial delivery was made to Empresas Cavalieri, with six additional units slated for delivery to customers in Chile in the coming weeks.

Chile as a Key Market for Electric Mobility

The deployment is particularly notable given Chile’s ambitious climate goals and its position as a promising market for renewable energy. The country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with solar and wind power already contributing significantly to its energy supply. Daimler highlighted this context in its official statement, emphasizing Chile’s commitment to climate protection.

eActros 600: Range and Battery Technology

The eActros 600 boasts a range of 500 km (~310 miles) on a single charge, enabling Compañía de Cervecerías Unidas (CCU), one of the largest beverage producers in Chile and South America, to operate existing routes without requiring mid-route charging. CCU, a client of Cavalieri, prioritized this capability when selecting the electric truck.

The truck is equipped with over 600 kWh of total battery capacity, utilizing three 207 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs. Mercedes-Benz chose LFP chemistry for its high usable energy content, durability under frequent high-speed charging and projected service life of up to 1.2 million kilometers (~750,000 miles).

Powertrain and Performance

Powering the eActros 600 is an 800-volt electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes/Daimler Trucks. This axle integrates two electric motors and a heavy-duty transmission designed for efficient long-haul operations, delivering up to 600 kW (~805 hp) of power. The truck is capable of hauling up to 40 tons of combined vehicle weight for over 300 miles on a single charge.

Expanding Electric Truck Options

Mercedes-Benz offers more than 40 different configurations for the eActros 600, allowing customers to tailor the truck to their specific operational needs. This flexibility is expected to drive further adoption of the electric semi in South America.

Source: Daimler Truck, Electrek