As electric charging infrastructure becomes more widespread, the number of electric cars on the road is also growing week by week. Now, other automotive vehicle types are beginning to follow suit including lorries, with the Mercedes-Benz eActros becoming one of the first all-electric heavy trucks in service.

In partnership with premium beverage supplier The Drinks Club, the eActros is making daily deliveries from the companies’ headquarters in Southall to well-known venues across London including the Ritz, Dorchester and Hoxton Hotels, joining a fleet of 12, mostly diesel, delivery vehicles.

The Drinks Club founder and Managing Director Stuart Randall said: “This eActros is a direct substitute for a diesel powered 18-tonner. Assuming it works well, we’ll be looking to swap the rest of our fleet for battery-powered vehicles at the earliest opportunity.”

All the early indications point to it working well during The Drinks Club’s 45-mile daily run, as only 10-15% of a full charge is being used to complete the route. The eActros covers a range of up to 205 miles from three battery packs and batteries can be recharged from 20 to 80% in 75 minutes using a 400A 160kW charger. For further range, a four-battery eActros 400 is available that will reach 249 miles on a full charge.

An improved ride and driving dynamics are other benefits of the electric truck, as the batteries are set across the full width of the vehicle thanks to freed up chassis space, helping to create a low centre of gravity. A cruising speed of 55mph is achievable and simpler than in the diesel equivalent, with only two forward and two reverse gears. Like electric cars, the truck is a lot quieter which is surely much more noticeable in a larger vehicle.

Will other companies follow? For something to become popular, it only takes one to make the initial plunge and the partnership between The Drinks Club and Mercedes-Benz may prove a turning point in large vehicle use across the UK.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Mercedes-Benz Trucks