Solomon Commercials helps Mercedes develop new trucks

Experts from Haslingden-based Solomon Commercials have been helping Mercedes to develop a new electric truck.

Solomon manufactures temperature-controlled vehicles and was called on by the German company to assist in the development of its first fridge-bodied eActros electric truck.

The eActros is designed from the ground up as an electric truck, featuring twin electric motors located within the rear eAxle. With no need for a prop shaft, chassis space is freed up for the batteries to be set across the vehicle's full width, which helps create a low centre of gravity that translates into improved driving dynamics.

Three nickel manganese cobalt battery packs provide a total installed capacity of 336kWh, delivering a range of up to 205 miles. The batteries can be recharged from 20 to 80 per cent in 75 minutes.

The absence of a combustion engine under the ClassicSpace cab also reduces noise and vibration compared to traditional diesel-powered trucks.

Anthony Clegg, Solomon Commercials managing director, said: "The road to net zero is no longer an optional extra; it's a certainty, and more and more customers are actively looking to introduce carbon-neutral policies and to minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment.

"We're proud to work with manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, helping customers transition to zero-emissions transport. Adopting these vehicles is certainly picking up pace, particularly with the government wanting to reach stringent emissions targets and create clean-air cities. Electric vehicles will play an important role in ensuring this is achieved."

James Venables, Mercedes-Benz Trucks head of future sustainability, said: "The eActros is a truck for a new era, and by launching this refrigerated demonstrator, we're showing that it's ready to work in real-life applications."