Mercedes will launch the Urban eTruck, its 100% electric truck, in 2017

Last year already saw the intention of several truck manufacturers to bring some fully electric version of their vehicles to market. One of these manufacturers has been Mercedes-Benz, which last year presented a prototype it called Urban eTruck, which now seems set to move into the production phase this same year. The Germans will thus get ahead of all their competitors in this segment and offer electric solutions to the transport world.

The truck will be ready for delivery at the end of this year, although only 20 companies will receive the 150 units to be built for now of this electric truck. These future owners of the first units of the Urban eTruck work in waste transport, food and logistics, so they will have a good opportunity to see how these 100% electric trucks perform.

Initially, the companies that will test these new vehicles will be located in Germany, so that the brand can provide all the technical support needed to obtain the best possible results. Later on, other markets will open up, such as Japan or the United States, to give the model greater range.

Technically, we can say that the Urban eTruck will have a range of 200 km, driven by the rear axle powered by electric motors delivering 125 kW, which is equivalent to 167 CV per motor. Maximum torque is 500 Nm, although thanks to the gearing it is multiplied by two, exceeding 1,000 Nm.

For its part, the batteries offer a total capacity of 212 kWh, with a nominal voltage of 400 V. For now, these units are expected to operate in the city, so the planned range will be more than enough to handle their daily work. Electric traction will allow the trucks to reach even places where diesel vehicles are not allowed or where there are traffic restrictions, to avoid pollution peaks.

Trials will determine any possible faults in the vehicles and, after this small series, larger production will be possible, which could be purchased in several markets around the world.

Via | Carscoops