Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivers first eActros 400 units with factory-fitted mechanical PTO
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered three battery-electric eActros 400 tractor units to waste management company AVG Köln. The vehicles are the first from the manufacturer to feature a factory-integrated mechanical power take-off, extending electric truck deployment to demanding tipper and waste logistics operations.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has handed over three battery-electric eActros 400 tractor units to German waste management company AVG Köln, where they will be used with tipping semi-trailers in municipal operations.
The trucks are the first Mercedes-Benz models equipped with a factory-integrated mechanical power take-off, or mPTO. Until now, similar battery-electric applications required solutions developed and installed by external bodybuilders or system suppliers.
Mercedes eActros electric trucks with mechanical PTO out of the factory
The mechanical PTO will power the hydraulic system used to operate the tipping trailers. Erkes Nutzfahrzeuge will complete the final integration, including the installation of steel half-round trailers supplied by Schwarzmüller.
The vehicles will operate under the BELLA project, which focuses on battery-electric transport of incinerator bottom ash. They will replace conventionally powered trucks carrying residual material from AVG Köln’s waste-to-energy plant to nearby processing facilities.
AVG Köln is also developing a charging hub covering around 3,000 square metres, with nine charging stations for commercial vehicles. Electricity will be supplied through a direct connection to the company’s waste-to-energy plant. Each eActros 400 is fitted with two LFP battery packs, providing a combined installed capacity of 414 kWh.
