Mercedes Benz Trucks adds a Lowliner variant to its eActros lineup of electric trucks

Mercedes Benz Trucks has expanded its eActros electric truck range with the introduction of the eActros Lowliner, a variant tailored for high-volume transport operations. The Lowliner is a tractor unit featuring a notably low coupling height, which allows it to haul mega-trailers with increased interior volume, optimising cargo capacity. This new model builds on the established technology of the eActros 600, which has been in production and customer use since late 2024, and adds to a portfolio that now offers around 40 different configurations to suit diverse transport needs. The eActros Lowliner shares key technical features with its eActros siblings, including an in-house electric drive axle with two motors delivering a continuous 400 kW output and a peak of 600 kW, paired with a four-speed transmission. It operates on an 800-volt electrical system and incorporates advanced driver assistance technologies. Offered as a 4×2 tractor unit with a 4,000 mm wheelbase, the Lowliner matches the coupling height and ground clearance of conventional diesel trucks, enabling compliance with legal height restrictions while maximising trailer interior space for volume-intensive freight. Customers can choose between two or three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, each providing 207 kWh of capacity. The eActros 400 Lowliner, with two battery packs, offers a higher payload capacity of up to 24 tonnes due to its lighter weight, while the eActros 600 Lowliner, equipped with three packs, carries up to 21 tonnes and delivers a range of around 500 km. Charging capabilities include a standard CCS2 port supporting up to 400 kW, with an optional megawatt charging system (MCS) port planned for future compatibility, reflecting Mercedes Benz Trucks’ commitment to fast and flexible electric charging solutions. Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes Benz Trucks, emphasised that the eActros Lowliner represents a significant step forward in their battery-electric long-haul offerings, specifically designed to meet the demands of high-volume transport with mega-trailers. The new model will be available for order from the third quarter of 2026 across EU30 markets and beyond, with series production set to commence in the second quarter of 2027 at the Wörth am Rhein plant. This launch comes amid broader industry debates, as Daimler Truck has recently joined other major manufacturers in challenging stringent emissions regulations in the US and lobbying the EU for more lenient electric truck production rules, highlighting the complex regulatory environment surrounding the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles.