Dutch logistics specialist Simon Loos announced a major order with Daimler Trucks’ Mercedes brand, purchasing 75 Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600 electric semi trucks and growing its BEV fleet to more than 200 units.

With more than 1,200 trucks operating at over 60 locations throughout the Netherlands, Simon Loos is one of the country’s leading logistics service providers – and, with over 200 battery electric HD trucks set to be deployed in the coming months, the company is set to become one of the country’s leading electric vehicle operators, as well.

“The acceptance of electric transport depends heavily on the practical experience gained by such pioneers (as Simon Loos),” Eric Brok, CEO of Daimler Truck Nederland BV. “Their decision to opt for the eActros 600 on this scale demonstrates just how well proven the vehicle already is in everyday use. The close cooperation between Simon Loos, its contractual partner GomesTrucks and Daimler Truck, combined with a shared determination to succeed, is a real asset.”

The decision to purchase the eActros 600 today instead of waiting for some promised, future electric semi was largely driven by the real-world capabilities of the big, game-changing BEV.

“Whereas we were previously able to plan around 250 to 300 km (~185 miles) per trip with electric power without hesitation, we will be able to cover 500 km (~310 miles) with these trucks,” explains Simon Loos fleet manager, Wim Roks. “This means that the journey distance is no longer a planning restriction for our company, and we are taking a big step forward with integrating electric transport.”

The truck, itself

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Electric semi truck; via Daimler.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 packs more than 600 kWh of total battery capacity (hence the name) from three 207 kWh LFP battery packs. That LFP chemistry was specifically chosen for its high usable energy content, durability in the face of constant high-speed charging, and its long projected service life, with Mercedes targeting durability of up to 1.2M kilometers (~750,000 miles) of driving.

hose batteries send power to an 800-volt electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes/Daimler Trucks that integrates two electric motors and a heavy-duty transmission specifically designed for efficient heavy long-haul work. The eAxles put out up to 600 kW (~805 hp) of power, good for hauling up to 40 tons of combined vehicle weight more than 300 miles on a charge.

Along with megawatt charging that can juice up the batteries and get loads back on the roads with minimal downtime, it’s no wonder CCU (and others) are singing the big Benz’ praises. And, with more than 40 different configurations available to make sure customers get exactly the truck they need to get their jobs done, we expect to see a lot more of these trucks on the road in the months and years to come.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Daimler Trucks; via Electrive.

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