The fully electric Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros and new FUSO Canter were shown for the first time in Britain at the inaugural Road Transport Expo. The 27-tonne eActros 400 is powered by four 112 kWh lithium-ion batteries and provides a maximum range of 249 miles (400km). It offers a maximum body and payload allowance of 16.6 tonnes.
The eActros 300, meanwhile, employs three batteries and will cover up to 186 miles (300km) between charges. It is also available in three-axled form, or as a two-axled chassis with 19-tonne gross weight. The combined body and load carrying capacity of the 19-tonne variant is 10.6 tonnes, a figure that rises to 17.7 tonnes for the 27-tonner.
The eActros has taken part in a comprehensive programme of ‘real world’ testing and is now on sale to UK operators as a 4×2 or 6×2 rigid. Mercedes-Benz Trucks and its official Dealer network are also responsible for sales and support of the FUSO Canter light truck range in Britain. The new FUSO Canter unveiled at Road Transport Expo incorporates a redesigned cabin, while also offering improvements in safety and comfort. The Canter still comes in four weight classes (3.5-8.55 tonnes), eight wheelbases (2,500 mm to 4,750 mm), and with three engine output variants (130 hp to 175 hp). In a new departure, however, 3.5-tonne Canters are now available for first time in right-hand drive form with a 1.7m-wide S (standard) cabin, which can be specified as an alternative to the 2.0m width of the established C (comfort) cab. Crewcab variants continue to be offered in several weight classes. Customers for Canters with the S-cab can also choose a new, bodybuilder-friendly wheelbase of 3,400mm.
The 3S13 displayed at Road Transport Expo allowed visitors to see the narrow cab for the first time. Powered by a 96 kW (130 hp) 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, the show vehicle was fitted with a dropside body.
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz eActros makes UK debut at Road Transport Expo