The battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eArocs 400 construction truck has completed intensive winter testing near the Arctic Circle in Finland. Daimler Truck engineers subjected the heavy-duty EV to temperatures as low as –20°C (–4°F) earlier this year ahead of its series production launch.
Highlights
- The eArocs 400 completed winter trials near the Arctic Circle at temperatures reaching –20°C, validating cold-weather traction, battery performance, and charging behavior.
- Sales begin in April 2026, with base vehicle production at the Mercedes-Benz Wörth am Rhein plant starting in Q3 2026.
- The 800-volt electric truck offers 414 kWh of battery capacity, up to 240 km of range, and 400 kW CCS2 charging capability.
- Active safety systems include Active Brake Assist 6 Plus, Active Sideguard Assist 2, and Front Guard Assist for construction-site hazard detection.
Winter Testing Scope
The Finland-based trials targeted several critical performance areas for cold-climate operation. These included traction and driving stability on snow- and ice-covered roads, cold start performance, and battery behavior at extreme subzero temperatures. Engineers also evaluated electric powertrain efficiency and energy recuperation during winter driving cycles.
Michael Kimmich, Head of Development for the eArocs 400, said the truck delivered stable driving characteristics throughout the program. He added that range and charging performance remained within expected parameters under the demanding conditions.
As a result, the testing provided Mercedes-Benz Trucks engineers with data to further refine the vehicle before production begins. Additionally, the program reinforces Daimler Truck’s commitment to delivering electric commercial vehicles capable of year-round operation.
Production Timeline and Assembly
The eArocs 400 goes on sale in April 2026. Base vehicle production will begin at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth am Rhein during the third quarter of 2026. Final electric powertrain integration will then be carried out by the Paul Group, based in Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany.
The truck first debuted at the 2025 bauma trade fair in Munich. There, it demonstrated the viability of battery-electric solutions for the construction transport sector.
Technical Specifications
The eArocs 400 is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs. Key specifications include:
- Total installed battery capacity: 414 kWh
- Range (concrete mixer, 32t GVW): Up to 200 km
- Range (construction tipper, 32t GVW): Up to 240 km
- Maximum charging rate: 400 kW via CCS2 (both sides of vehicle)
- Charge time (10–80%): Approximately 46 minutes
- Central drivetrain: Integrated 3-speed transmission
- Continuous power: 380 kW
- Peak power: 450 kW
Mercedes-Benz Trucks adopted essential components from its existing eActros portfolio. These include the front box, power take-off (PTO), and LFP battery technology, which offers high usable capacity and long durability.
Vehicle Configurations and Applications
Initially, the eArocs 400 will be available as 37-ton and 44-ton variants in an 8×4/4 axle configuration across four wheelbases. It can be configured as a concrete mixer or construction tipper, covering essential street-oriented construction transport applications.
Because the truck produces zero local CO₂e emissions and low noise, it can operate in urban low- and zero-emission zones. For instance, it is suitable for noise-sensitive environments near hospitals, schools, and residential areas. It also enables nighttime construction operations.
Efficiency and Drivetrain
According to Daimler Truck, the eArocs 400 is at least 50 percent more energy efficient than a comparable diesel truck. This advantage comes from recuperation, electrically powered auxiliaries, and the inherent efficiency of the electric powertrain. In many use cases, the truck can cover a full working day without intermediate charging.
The central drivetrain works with proven hypoid and planetary axles from the diesel Arocs platform. As a result, the eArocs 400 retains the ground clearance and off-road capability required for construction-site deployment.
Safety and Cab Design
Modern driver-assistance systems support hazard detection and safe operation in traffic and on construction sites. These include:
- Active Brake Assist 6 Plus for emergency braking
- Active Sideguard Assist 2 for blind-spot monitoring
- Front Guard Assist for forward collision warning
Inside the cab, the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 features an ergonomic switch panel and voice control for operation in uneven terrain. The fully galvanized M cab offers an easy-care interior, extra stowage space, and an optional bunk. Meanwhile, tandem drive axles, a robust vehicle frame, and steel suspension at front and rear deliver the durability needed for daily construction-site use.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
