The all-electric Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck

Growing concerns about worsening city-centre air quality might eventually lead to severe restrictions for diesel-powered vehicles in municipal areas. Of course, such curbs would probably affect delivery trucks too, so manufacturers are starting to explore alternatives.

Using electricity as an energy source is the obvious solution. While hydrogen fuel cells are likely to be more suitable for long-distance transport work, rechargeable batteries could offer an appropriate solution for some multi-drop distribution operations.

Mercedes-Benz is taking the latter route for its Urban eTruck, which has been unveiled in prototype form. This new three-axle model boasts a gross vehicle weight of 26 tonnes.

Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck Prototype (2016) Front Side

Mounted adjacent to each of the middle axle's wheel hubs is a liquid-cooled, asynchronous, three-phase 400 V electric motor that produces 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) and 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) of torque. They're connected to three lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 212 kWh.

Maximum range is reckoned to be around 125 miles (200 kilometres). Although a regenerative braking system is fitted, those batteries also have to service ancillary components such as the power steering pump and the mechanical brakes' air compressor.

Fortunately, recharge times aren't too bad. Using a 100 kW plug-in charger, full replenishment of a completely flat battery set is estimated to take between two and three hours.

Going electric does involve a potential payload penalty, though. Compared to a diesel equivalent, the Urban eTruck is heavier by approximately 1,700 kg (3,747 lbs).

As for a production version, Mercedes-Benz is saying that it's “conceivable at the beginning of the next decade”.

Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck Prototype (2016) Chassis DetailMercedes-Benz Urban eTruck Prototype (2016) Rear Side

Related posts:
Cyclist-friendly tipper trucks arrive in London
Fuso Canter E-Cell trials begin in Europe

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more