Daimler Truck's electric truck battery has passed a crucial test, but the results might just spark some debate.
In a recent series of crash tests, the eActros 600, an electric truck, was put to the ultimate side collision challenge. A massive object, weighing over a tonne, collided with the truck at a speed of over 50 km/h. The outcome? The high-voltage battery modules remained intact, and the housing showed no critical deformations. This was made possible by a specially designed frame architecture, developed to withstand heavy-duty collisions.
Frank Müller, the Head of Accident Research & Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, commented on the test results, stating, "The mechanical stress was high, but our concept proved reliable."
But here's where it gets controversial... The testers also conducted front crash tests, and according to the manufacturer, the reinforced cab and energy absorption zones in the front of the vehicle were designed to dissipate impact forces. Inside, airbag systems and seatbelt tensioners were activated, ensuring passenger safety.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks explains that these crash tests, conducted a year after series production began, are part of their continuous improvement process. They feed new findings from real-world data back into their product range, ensuring the vehicles are tailored to typical heavy-duty accident scenarios.
Felix Pietler, a passive safety developer at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, emphasizes, "From the start, our goal was to compromise on nothing when it came to vehicle safety. With electric drives, passenger protection is crucial, but so are measures to protect the immediate surroundings."
The eActros 600, with its impressive battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours, features an in-house developed electric drive axle with continuous power of 400 kW and peak power of up to 600 kW. It also boasts a front box, housing control units, high-voltage components, and an electric air compressor. With a range of 500 kilometres, this electric truck can be charged via CCS with up to 400 kW and will soon be capable of megawatt charging once the MCS standard is finalized.
So, the question remains: Can electric trucks truly be as safe as their traditional counterparts? Daimler Truck seems confident, but what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
