Mercedes eActros 600, crash tests carried out with DEKRA confirm high-level passive safety

As part of one of several real-world crash tests in Neumünster, Schleswig-Holstein, the eActros 600 was subjected to a side impact of the kind that can occur in serious road accidents. Despite the considerable force exerted, the entire high-voltage battery system and all electrical components remained intact. 

According to the truck maker, the reinforced cab and defined energy absorption zones in the front end of the vehicle dissipate impact forces in frontal collision scenarios in a targeted manner via crash-optimized structures. With regard to side impact scenarios, the latest test confirmed that the high-voltage battery modules remained intact and the housing showed no critical deformations thanks to a frame architecture specially developed for heavy-duty collisions.

Crash tests on the Mercedes eActros 600

In addition, the high-voltage (HV) system, including batteries, meets strict internal requirements in terms of insulation technology, mechanical protection, and fire protection components to reduce potential risks after severe damage. Production vehicles thus meet all current legal standards as well as brand-specific test criteria that are significantly above regulatory requirements. 

“From the outset, our aim was to make no compromises when it came to vehicle safety,” commented Felix Pietler, passive safety developer at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “With electric drives in particular, it is not only important to ensure passenger protection – measures to protect the immediate surroundings are also crucial.” 

“The test showed that the mechanical stress was high – but our concept works reliably”, added Frank Müller, Head of Accident Research & Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.