Daimler Truck introduces eActros Lowliner

Until now, MAN has held at least one advantage over Daimler Truck with its Lowliner configuration, which is considered crucial for automotive logistics. However, following the launch of the MAN eTGX, Mercedes-Benz is now preparing to introduce the eActros Lowliner next year.

Daimler truck mercedes benz eactros lowliner — Image: Daimler Truck

Lowliners feature an exceptionally low fifth-wheel height of 950 mm, allowing the use of so-called megatrailers with an internal loading height of three metres. This configuration is particularly important for volume transport in automotive logistics, as megatrailers can accommodate up to 99 standard lattice boxes on a third stacking level. The automotive industry uses these boxes to transport components. Standard semi-trailers, by comparison, can carry only 66 lattice boxes.

This significant difference is why the Volvo converter Designwerk introduced a battery-electric Lowliner in 2022 – and why MAN decided to offer its MAN eTGX as a Lowliner from the first customer delivery in October 2024.

Daimler Truck is now following suit with its Mercedes-Benz Trucks brand. The battery-electric eActros 600, which the company also introduced at the end of 2024, will soon be available as a Lowliner variant. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to unveil the new model at IAA Transportation in Hanover in September. Order books are scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026, while production at the Wörth am Rhein plant is set to start in the second quarter of 2027.

Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, states: “The eActros Lowliner marks the next step in the expansion of our battery‑electric long‑haul portfolio. It is consistently designed for high‑volume transport with mega trailers and is based on the proven technology of the eActros 600. This significantly broadens the range of applications available to our customers once again.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks will offer the eActros Lowliner as a 4×2 tractor unit with a 4,000 mm wheelbase. The model matches the fifth-wheel heights and ground clearance of comparable diesel trucks. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is therefore targeting the same customer groups as Designwerk and MAN with their electric Lowliners, particularly customers in the automotive industry and other sectors requiring high-volume transport with maximum internal height. By matching the dimensions of its diesel Lowliner models, Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to enable seamless integration of the electric trucks into existing fleets.

The new eActros Lowliner will be available with either two or three LFP battery packs, each offering 207 kWh. The eActros 400 Lowliner features two packs with a combined installed battery capacity of 414 kWh, while the eActros 600 Lowliner comes with three packs totalling 621 kWh.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks expects the eActros 600 Lowliner to achieve a range comparable to the standard eActros 600, which can cover up to 500 kilometres without intermediate charging with three battery packs and a gross combination weight of 40 tonnes.

The eActros 400 Lowliner, equipped with two battery packs, has a lower vehicle weight and therefore offers a higher payload than the eActros 600 Lowliner with three battery packs. The payload difference amounts to around three tonnes: the eActros 400 Lowliner can carry up to 24 tonnes, while the eActros 600 Lowliner is limited to 21 tonnes.

The vehicles can charge at up to 400 kW via the standard CCS2 charging socket on the left side of the vehicle. Charging two battery packs from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 46 minutes, while three battery packs require approximately 70 minutes.

In addition to CCS charging, both model variants will later support megawatt charging (MCS). Customers will be able to order an optional additional MCS charging socket on the left side of the vehicle for this purpose.

daimlertruck.com