Initially, a “low two-figure number” of Mercedes’ new revolutionary zero-emission trucks will go to customers in Germany, with more to follow elsewhere in Europe later this year, according to Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks worldwide.
The vehicles – each initially offering a payload of 18 tonnes – will be deployed in real transport operations, with a goal of optimising the electric truck’s concept and systems configuration, he says.
“We are currently talking to around 20 potential customers from the waste, foodstuffs and logistics sectors,” states Buchner.
“With the small series, we are now rapidly taking the next step towards a series product,” he continues. “By 2020 we want to be on the market with the series generation.”
Details release so far are that 18- and 25-tonne models will soon be available, and will be equipped with refrigerated, dry box and platform bodies.
They will be handed to the customers for 12 months.
Each will come with charging facilities appropriate to the likely demand, will be supported by Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ road testing department.
“2017 will be our year of implementation: step by step we are developing the vehicles and systems to achieve market maturity,” comments Buchner.
And he adds that Daimler Trucks reckons battery costs will have fallen by a factor of 2.5 between 1997 and 2025, while energy density increases by the same factor.