MAN eTruck proves endurance at low temperatures
The German manufacturer has completed tests on its new electric truck, the MAN eTruck. The tests, now a tradition for the company, took place from December 2022 to March 2023 in northern Sweden. According to MAN, the engineers are satisfied with the results of the tests and believe the truck is ready for series production.
During the test, the electric truck resisted harsh weather conditions. The vehicle was actively used in temperatures of minus 40⁰C. In the process, engineers monitored its range, control features, power consumption and operation of internal systems, including air conditioning. The specialists focused on checking the charging and the batteries at low temperatures. The truck travelled 600-800 km daily on ice, snow, steep hills and corners without any problems.
A total of four MAN electric truck prototypes were involved in the test, which differed in equipment, transmission and cab design. All the vehicles passed the test with flying colours, but there are still several tests ahead, including fire tests for the cab and crash tests. According to the manufacturer’s plans, the model will hit the market in 2024. After a harsh winter in Sweden, the eTruck will reach the south of Spain, where summer temperatures exceed 40°C. In addition, testers will subject the batteries to deep submergence.
MAN’s engineers aim
MAN’s engineers aim to develop a vehicle that can handle all conditions. The manufacturer plans to provide customers with a wide range of electric vehicles capable of handling various logistical tasks in an environmentally friendly manner.
MAN engineers want to satisfy the diverse needs of customers. Which is why they put the trucks through numerous tests under radically different operating conditions. The new eTruck should be competitive in the market for zero-emission commercial vehicles, especially as other manufacturers are rushing to introduce their electric cars. For instance, winter testing of the new Mercedes-Benz Trucks model took place in Finland in March of this year. The manufacturer tested the performance of two electric trucks – eActros LongHaul and eActros 300.
The engineers were primarily interested in the starting properties and the protection of the drive system under the effects of low temperatures. The tests took place over six weeks. Drivers operated their vehicles on various types of highways, at night, in ice and blizzard conditions. The electric cars demonstrated high endurance and drivability in extreme conditions. In addition, experts compared the technical characteristics of electric trucks with those of diesel-powered vehicles. It turned out that electric models are equal in performance to traditional commercial vehicles.
