ELECTRIC ARROWS

In-depth

9 Apr

Arrow Transport starts electric Mercedes-Benz solar port trial in Brisbane

Arrow Transport Logistics and Quarantine Services has launched an electric truck trial featuring a Mercedes-Benz eActros prime mover.

The company will charge the pioneering all-electric truck, which produces zero exhaust emissions, using solar energy at its Brisbane facility. It will be used to deliver containers as an A Double combination around the Port of Brisbane.

Arrow Transport Logistics and Quarantine Services Managing Director Craig Webster says he excited to conduct the electric truck trial.

“Sustainability is a real area of focus for Arrow, so we were very excited to pursue this opportunity to put an all-electric Mercedes-Benz to work with Arrow at the Port of Brisbane,” he said. “We are quite excited to trial a truck that can operate on green energy carting containers while producing zero emissions.”

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo, said it is great to see the eActros working for Arrow Transport Logistics and Quarantine Services.

“The eActros is a great example of design, with its advanced technology incorporating an integrated motor as part of the drive axle, but it is also a practical workhorse. We love to see the eActros hard at work, delivering freight and producing zero exhaust emissions in Australian conditions for customers who are looking to advance their sustainability programs. It’s the most advanced electric truck in the Australian market and we know it will make a great impression at the Port of Brisbane.”

The eActros features three lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 336kWh. It can operate at total Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 40-tonnes and has up to 200km range in a typical work case.

The truck features two liquid-cooled motors integrated into the drive axle. It has 536hp (400kW) peak power output and 443hp (330kW) continuous output.

It features a five-stage recuperation braking system that works like an engine brake to both spare the service brakes and recoup significant amounts of electricity, which is fed into the batteries.

Testing has found that the eActros is 10dB quieter in the cab, which represents an approximate halving of the perceptible in-cabin volume.

As well, the eActros can automatically brake for pedestrians and vehicles if the driver is distracted using front and side radars, as well as a front camera.

In addition to this Standard Active Brake Assist 5 feature, it also comes with Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist and Stability Control Assist and tyre pressure monitoring.