Mercedes-Benz Trucks Launches Refurbished CB400 High-Voltage Battery for eActros 300/400 and eEconic, Cutting CO₂ Emissions by One-Third

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Launches Refurbished CB400 High-Voltage Battery for eActros 300/400 and eEconic, Cutting CO₂ Emissions by One-Third

(IN BRIEF) Mercedes-Benz Trucks is rolling out the CB400 high-voltage reworked battery as a sustainable, cost-effective spare-parts solution for first-generation eActros 300/400 trucks and the eEconic. Processed at the Mannheim Kompetenzzentrum für emissionsfreie Mobilität, used batteries are disassembled, cleaned, and upgraded to current series standards, reducing CO₂e emissions by approximately one-third compared to new production. The refurbished units carry full warranty coverage, undergo stringent testing, and are available in multiple performance levels. Batteries that can’t be reworked are recycled immediately, and viable modules may find second-life uses in stationary energy storage. Insights from this program are informing development of next-generation batteries like the CEB500 for the eActros 600. As part of Daimler Truck’s circular-economy and sustainability strategy, the CB400 initiative underscores a commitment to resource efficiency, closed-loop material flows, and the broader decarbonization of commercial transport.

(PRESS RELEASE) MANNHEIM/WOERTH, 24-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Mercedes-Benz Trucks is proud to broaden its genuine spare-parts lineup for battery-electric commercial vehicles by introducing the CB400 high-voltage reworked battery, specifically engineered for first-generation eActros 300/400 models and the eEconic. As a cost-effective and eco-friendly substitute to brand-new battery replacements, these “Genuine Reworked Batteries” deliver like-new performance, full safety validation, and uncompromised functionality.

At the heart of this initiative lies a dedication to extending the usable life of high-voltage batteries, preserving natural resources, and curbing CO₂e emissions—cornerstones of Daimler Truck’s circular-economy and sustainability ambitions. By reconditioning returned CB400 units at the Kompetenzzentrum für emissionsfreie Mobilität (KEM) in Mannheim—situated adjacent to production lines—Mercedes-Benz Trucks collects, dismantles, deep-cleans, and refurbishes batteries up to current series specifications.

“Through the CB400 reworked-battery program, we provide fleets with an affordable and sustainable alternative that repurposes premium components, thereby cutting resource usage and greenhouse-gas output while upholding rigorous quality standards,” says Christian Vrbek, Team Leader Remanufacturing Zero Emission Vehicles in Aftersales at Daimler Truck. Compared to manufacturing fresh cells, this reuse strategy slashes CO₂e emissions by roughly one-third. Units deemed beyond refurbishment are funneled into immediate recycling streams, and viable modules may later serve in stationary energy storage applications.

Each reworked CB400 battery is fitted with the latest software release and subjected to exhaustive functional and leak examinations. They carry the same Mercedes-Benz Trucks parts warranty as new batteries, with multiple performance tiers available to ensure compatibility across existing vehicle installations.

Beyond meeting today’s repair requirements, insights gleaned from the CB400 project are already shaping next-generation solutions—such as the forthcoming CEB500 battery for the eActros 600. Though series production of the first-generation eActros 300/400 will conclude by year’s end, demand for dependable and budget-friendly spare parts will persist. The CB400 exchange service will also continue for the eEconic, offering fleet operators both economic and environmental advantages.

What began in 2021 as a student initiative has matured into an interdisciplinary innovation effort, now setting the standard for high-voltage battery refurbishment across the commercial-vehicle sector. Its close integration with the Mannheim Battery Technology Center allows rapid feedback loops into new battery-platform development.

Sustainability remains a core Daimler Truck priority. High-voltage reworked batteries exemplify the company’s circular-economy approach by closing material loops and mitigating environmental impact. Daimler Truck aims to decarbonize road transport and mobilize industry-wide transformation, embedding sustainability into every facet of its operations.

Founded in 1994, the KEM has served as Daimler Truck’s experimental hub for zero-emission drivetrains, producing its first electric vans by 1996. “Over three decades, we’ve amassed deep expertise across alternative-drivetrain technologies,” notes Robert Braun, Head of the KEM. “Every Daimler truck with an alternative drivetrain carries a piece of KEM knowledge.”

The adjoining Battery Technology Center spans over 10,000 m² and merges battery-electric commercial-vehicle development with pilot-scale production. It hosts both experimental cell manufacturing and prototypical battery-pack assembly, positioning the Mannheim site to transition seamlessly into future series production.

Since 1908, the Mercedes-Benz Mannheim plant has been a cornerstone of commercial-vehicle component manufacturing. Today, it employs more than 4,600 professionals and houses leading-edge facilities—from cast-iron foundries to the European Center for Exchange Engine Manufacturing—while fostering the next generation of talent through its century-long training programs.

About the Battery Technology Center

On an area of over 10,000 square meters, product and process development for battery-electric commercial vehicles at Daimler Truck takes place: The BTC combines development with production. Experts build expertise around batteries and their manufacturing processes. Two production areas are established within the BTC. On one hand, pilot-scale cell production is carried out to build process knowledge. On the other hand, battery packs are prototypically manufactured for test benches and test vehicles. The Mannheim site is preparing for future series production with a pilot line for battery packs.

About the Mercedes-Benz Mannheim plant

Founded in 1908 in Mannheim-Waldhof on the Luzenberg, the current Mercedes-Benz Mannheim plant employs over 4,600 people who produce engines and related components for commercial vehicles. It also serves as Daimler Truck’s competence center for battery technologies and high-voltage systems, significantly contributing to the series production of the electrified product portfolio.

A dedicated pilot line for the prototypical manufacturing of battery cells is located in the so-called Battery Technology Center. The development team there focuses on creating assembly concepts and systems for battery packs. The plant’s foundry is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vehicle cast iron components.

In the so-called European Center for Exchange Engine Manufacturing, engines for commercial vehicles as well as passenger cars are reconditioned. Training and securing young talent are also of great importance at the Mannheim site: with over 100 years of experience, young people are trained here — to date, over 11,000 young individuals have completed their training at this location.

Media Contacts:

Jens Arnold
Spokesperson Sustainability Daimler Truck AG
jens.arnold@daimlertruck.com
+49 176 30980951

Dorothea Freiberg
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Trucks Plants Gaggenau, Kassel and Mannheim
dorothea.freiberg​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8669616

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG