In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable urban transport, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered three innovative battery-electric eActros 400 models to AVG Köln. As the first trucks in the line-up equipped with a factory-integrated mechanical power take-off, these electric tipper tractor units are set to revolutionise waste management operations, driving efficiency and eco-friendliness in municipal services.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has proudly delivered three state-of-the-art battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 400 trucks, representing the second generation equipped with the innovative ProCabin, to Abfallentsorgungs- und Verwertungsgesellschaft Köln mbH (AVG Köln).

The eActros is an all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz Actros, designed for heavy-duty transport tasks. It offers a variety of configurations, including different battery packs and cab options, to meet diverse transport needs.

The new advanced electric vehicles (EVs) are set to operate as tipper tractor units within municipal services, significantly enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.

Remarkably, these trucks are the first in the Mercedes-Benz Trucks line-up to feature a factory-integrated mechanical power take-off (mPTO).

Moreover, this significant advancement marks a departure from previous solutions that necessitated modifications by external bodybuilders and system suppliers, thereby streamlining the integration process.

The finalisation of the hydraulic system will be meticulously handled by Erkes Nutzfahrzeuge, who will also oversee the installation of robust steel half-round tipping trailers provided by Schwarzmüller.

Consequently, this collaboration ensures that the eActros trucks are fully equipped and ready for their demanding roles in the community’s waste management efforts.

“With the delivery of the eActros 400 for tipper tractor applications, we are demonstrating that battery-electric drivetrains can reliably meet the demands of even the most challenging waste logistics operations,” highlights Christian Wilz, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany.

“The recycling and waste management industry plays an essential role in protecting resources and keeping valuable materials in circulation. With our emission-free transport solutions, we support this mission and, together with our partners, contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Christian Wilz, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany

The joint effort marks a significant step towards integrating sustainable practices within the industry.

“Achieving carbon-neutral waste logistics is one of the greatest challenges of the future, both for private businesses and municipalities. Public-private partnerships such as AVG Köln offer clear advantages by combining expertise and capital most effectively, thereby accelerating implementation,” states Sascha Hähnke, Managing Director, REMONDIS Sustainable Services GmbH.  

“With the eActros 400, Daimler Truck provides a practical commercial vehicle solution for an application area that has until now relied exclusively on fossil fuels. In doing so, AVG Köln and REMONDIS are helping to lead the way toward a climate-neutral future.”

Sascha Hähnke, Managing Director, REMONDIS Sustainable Services GmbH

As part of the innovative BELLA project, which stands for Battery-Electric Emission-Free Truck Logistics for Incinerator Bottom Ash, AVG Köln is set to deploy a fleet of advanced EVs.

As a result, these eco-friendly trucks are designed to replace traditional diesel-powered vehicles, serving a vital role in transporting incinerator bottom ash – a byproduct of the thermal treatment of both household and commercial waste.

The vehicles will operate within the confines of the plant and facilitate the movement of this residual material to adjacent processing facilities.

In tandem with this initiative, AVG Köln is also making significant investments in sustainable infrastructure by establishing its own EV charging network.

This includes the development of an expansive charging hub spanning approximately 3,000 square meters and featuring nine dedicated charging stations specifically designed for commercial vehicles.

Notably, these charging stations will draw power from a direct connection to the company’s state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant, ensuring a seamless and efficient energy supply.

Amongst the vehicles being deployed is the Mercedes-Benz eActros 400, which boasts an impressive configuration of two battery packs.

Each battery pack has a capacity of 207 kilowatt-hour (kWh), culminating in a robust total battery capacity of 414 kWh.

These batteries utilise cutting-edge lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell technology, well-regarded for its exceptional longevity and reliable performance, making them an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications in environmentally conscious logistics.