Mercedes Will Test Long Haul Electric Trucks With Amazon's Help

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will begin real-world testing of the eActros LongHaul electric truck in 2023 with European logistics business Rhenus and American e-commerce giant Amazon. The Rhenus eActros LongHaul truck, with a range of around 311 miles, will be put through its paces in a variety of settings.

To determine the truck's capability for everyday operations, pulling cargo containers and tarp trailers will be part of the testing.

Mercedes claims it has already begun rigorous testing of the vehicle and that it will start using it on public roads this year. Meanwhile, the manufacturer will present a concept prototype at the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hanover later this month.

Meanwhile, Rhenus and Amazon will be conducting their tests on the trucks and high-performance chargers. This process is referred to as "megawatt charging," The companies want to launch a testing program they are calling "High-performance charging for long-haul trucking," or "HoLa."

Charging stations will be set up along a stretch of the A2 highway between Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia. There will be a few that have megawatt chargers that can fully charge a truck from 20 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. In addition, the companies will frequently conduct interviews and surveys with truck drivers to help improve the vehicles.