Daimler Truck claims electric truck battery remains intact even in side crash tests
As part of a series of real-life crash tests in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, the eActros 600 was subjected to a side collision. In the test, a mass of well over a tonne collided with the side of the truck at a speed of over 50 km/h. The Stuttgart-based company is satisfied with the result: ‘The high-voltage battery modules remained intact and the housing showed no critical deformations thanks to a frame architecture specially developed for heavy-duty collisions,’ was the conclusion. Prior to the test, the testers had carried out simulation-based analyses and installed and precisely calibrated sensors.
Frank Müller, Head of Accident Research & Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, comments: “The test showed that the mechanical stress was high – but our concept works reliably.” The testers also carried out front crashes. According to the manufacturer, the aim here was for the reinforced cab and defined energy absorption zones in the front of the vehicle to dissipate the impact forces via crash-optimised structures. Inside, airbag systems and seatbelt tensioners are also activated.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks explains why the crash tests are taking place now – one year after series production began – by saying that they enable ‘continuous improvements’ to be made. In addition, new findings from field data are continuously fed back into the product range. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ internal accident research team evaluated existing real-world accident data in the early stages of development and applied it to the design elements of the vehicles. The aim was always to tailor the protective measures to typical heavy-duty accident scenarios.
“From the outset, our aim was to make no compromises when it came to vehicle safety,” says Felix Pietler, passive safety developer at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “With electric drives in particular, it is not only important to ensure passenger protection – measures to protect the immediate surroundings are also crucial.”
Regarding the 600 itself, the vehicle celebrated its world premiere in October 2023. It owes its name to its battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours. The XXL electric vehicle also features a new electric drive axle developed in-house with 400 kW continuous power and up to 600 kW peak power, as well as a so-called front box, which bundles control units, high-voltage components and the electric air compressor in the former engine compartment. The range of this promising electric vehicle is 500 kilometres. The eActros 600 can be charged via CCS with up to 400 kW, and the electric truck will also be able to handle megawatt charging once the MCS standard has been finalised.
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
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