Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Sets New Standards in Safety and Sustainability for Electric Long-Haul Transport

Passive Safety: Crash test with the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600

(IN BRIEF) Mercedes-Benz Trucks has demonstrated the exceptional safety and structural integrity of its eActros 600 electric long-haul truck through rigorous real-world crash testing. Developed with extensive accident research data, the eActros 600 maintained the integrity of its high-voltage battery system during severe side-impact collisions. The company’s holistic approach to passive and active safety includes reinforced cab structures, advanced driver-assistance systems, and continuous post-production testing aligned with its Vision Zero safety goals. Featuring a powerful 621 kWh LFP battery system and a range exceeding 500 km, the eActros 600 combines sustainability with uncompromising safety performance, setting new industry standards for electric heavy-duty transport.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN / NEUMÜNSTER, 4-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Mercedes-Benz Trucks has reinforced its commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability with the latest crash test results of the battery-electric eActros 600, confirming the vehicle’s robust structural integrity and advanced safety design. Developed with insights from real-world accident research, the eActros 600’s engineering prioritizes protection for drivers, rescue personnel, and other road users — achieving a new benchmark for heavy-duty electric transport safety.

The comprehensive safety concept was integrated from the earliest design stages, with Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ internal accident research team applying real accident data to tailor protection measures to common heavy-duty crash scenarios. During a side-impact crash test in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, the eActros 600 demonstrated outstanding resilience: despite significant impact forces, the high-voltage battery system and all electrical components remained fully intact.

“Our aim from the very beginning was to ensure uncompromising vehicle safety,” said Felix Pietler, passive safety developer at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “In electric vehicles, safety must extend beyond occupant protection to include the immediate surroundings.”

The reinforced cab structure, energy absorption zones, and specialized frame architecture proved effective in maintaining a survival space even under extreme conditions. Airbags and seatbelt tensioners further enhance occupant protection across all variants. “The test showed that the mechanical stress was high — but our concept works reliably,” noted Frank Müller, Head of Accident Research & Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Extensive simulation-based analysis preceded the crash test, supported by precise sensor calibration and scenario-specific component adjustments. The impact test involved a mass exceeding one ton striking the vehicle’s side at over 50 km/h — a real-world simulation of severe collisions. Post-crash inspections confirmed that the high-voltage system met Mercedes-Benz’s strict safety requirements for insulation, mechanical protection, and fire resistance, exceeding existing legal standards.

Following each physical test, emergency services perform a controlled release check before engineers dismantle the vehicle for detailed data analysis — a process ensuring safety validation beyond simulation results. “The results clearly confirmed our expectations,” Müller said. “There would have been no danger in real-world use.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues physical testing even after series production begins, using field data to drive ongoing improvements in design, compliance, and technology. This approach aligns with the company’s Vision Zero strategy — aiming for accident-free driving and maximum road safety for all heavy-duty vehicles, whether diesel or battery-electric.

Complementing its passive safety systems, the eActros 600 features advanced active assistance technologies, including Active Brake Assist 6 with 270-degree environmental monitoring, Active Sideguard Assist 2, Front Guard Assist, Active Drive Assist 3, and Attention Assist 2. Together, these features provide comprehensive protection for both drivers and vulnerable road users. Additionally, an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) ensures that the quiet electric truck remains audible to pedestrians and cyclists in city environments.

The eActros 600 — launched for series production at the end of 2024 and named “International Truck of the Year 2025” — combines cutting-edge electric performance with durability and versatility. With a 600+ kWh battery capacity and an efficient in-house developed eAxle, the truck achieves a range of up to 500 km without intermediate charging, and over 1,000 km per day with driver-break charging opportunities. Built with three 207 kWh LFP battery packs, the truck promises a service life of up to 1.2 million kilometers in ten years, retaining over 80% battery health.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks continues to expand the eActros 600 range, now offering more than 40 configurations to meet varying customer needs in payload, comfort, and range — reaffirming its leadership in sustainable, safe, and intelligent long-haul transport.

Media Contacts:

Carola Pfeifle
Spokesperson Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Trucks
carola.pfeifle​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8612423

Peter Smodej
Head of Communications Product & Corporate Mercedes-Benz Trucks / Daimler Buses
peter.smodej​@daimlertruck.com
+49 176 30936446

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG