Mercedes-Benz eEconic Powers Airbus Helicopters’ Sustainable Refueling Efforts with All-Electric Technology

Mercedes-Benz eEconic Powers Airbus Helicopters’ Sustainable Refueling Efforts with All-Electric Technology

(IN BRIEF) Airbus Helicopters has introduced the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eEconic to its fleet for helicopter refueling at its Donauwörth facility. Developed in collaboration with ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge, the eEconic is equipped with a 16,500-liter tank for aviation fuel, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). After a single charge, the electric tanker can operate for up to a week, significantly reducing emissions and creating a quieter, cleaner environment for ground personnel. This move is part of Airbus’s broader strategy to cut carbon emissions and transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030, contributing to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

(PRESS RELEASE) DONAUWÖRTH/WÖRTH AM RHEIN, 7-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus Helicopters has introduced the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eEconic as part of its fleet, using the vehicle to refuel helicopters at its Donauwörth site. The eEconic, developed by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks in collaboration with ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH, features a 16,500-liter tank designed for aviation fuel, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The truck’s electric power allows it to operate for up to a week after a single charge, offering both driving and refueling capabilities from its battery, reducing the need for frequent recharging.

The eEconic’s design is optimized for safety and efficiency, with features such as a panoramic low-lying window, a low seating position for enhanced visibility, and a steered rear axle that ensures it can navigate complex airfield environments, even around landing helicopters and rotating blades. The electric drive system, which generates a continuous output of 330 kW, enables quieter operation with less heat, exhaust, and noise, providing a more pleasant working environment for ground personnel.

The tank, supplied by ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge, utilizes an electric power take-off (ePTO) system for operating the refueling pump. This setup, combined with the eEconic’s regenerative braking system, allows for extended operational periods without the need for intermediate charging, offering a practical and eco-friendly refueling solution.

Airbus Helicopters’ adoption of the eEconic is part of its broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and transition to fully electric operations. The company has been integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) since 2023 and aims to achieve 100% SAF capability for all its helicopters by 2030. This new electric tanker represents a significant step toward Airbus’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with its long-term sustainability commitments.

Media Contacts:

Lukas Hettmannsperger
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
lukas.hettmannsperger​@daimlertruck.com
+49 170 3871112

Ulrike Burkhart
Spokesperson Mercedes Benz Trucks Product, Service & eTruck
ulrike.burkhart​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 861 3757

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG