Andreas, how long have you been working towards the first production vehicle?
My team has been with this project right from the start. While we were already in the process of introducing the eActros innovation fleet onto the market, we were driving forwards the plans for series production in Wörth.

What was your role?
As a sub‑project manager, I was responsible for ensuring the producibility of the eActros. The aim was to integrate the eActros as much as possible into existing production processes.

The eActros is manufactured on the same assembly line as the trucks with conventional drive. It is then moved to another production hall, the Future Truck Centre, for its electrification. Why was the eActros not fully integrated into the existing assembly line?
In principle, the construction of different vehicle types should be as integrated as possible, i.e. the basic structure of the vehicle should be built on one assembly line, regardless of whether the truck is equipped with an internal combustion engine or an electric powertrain. This means that the plant can adapt to different market demands quickly and efficiently to deliver the high quality that characterises Mercedes‑Benz. There were many reasons for establishing the Future Truck Centre: on the one hand, assembly of the eActros is subject to strict safety precautions. Every colleague in the Future Truck Centre must be qualified to work with high‑voltage technology. On the other hand, the start of production of the eActros is not an everyday event for us; it is a real reboot. An electric truck such as this has completely different production requirements to a conventional vehicle, for example when handling the battery. We therefore decided that electrification of the eActros would take place in the Future Truck Centre.

Which stop‑off points does the truck pass through in the Future Truck Centre?
First, the loading unit is installed. The high‑voltage batteries and crash sensors are also installed, of course. Finally, the high‑voltage commissioning of the vehicle takes place: we literally flip the switch and the truck is able to leave the hall on its own four wheels!

Now that series production is underway: what’s next?
The basic vehicle will be successively expanded to include further scopes or prototypes, which will then go into production. Apart from this, we are currently also busy getting ready for the start of the eEconic next year. This follows the same concept as the eActros: assembly takes place on the standard production line and the electrification in the Future Truck Centre. One thing is for certain: we’re keeping busy!

How have you found the preparations for the start of production and the last few months in general?
There have been many highs, but also turbulent times. Coronavirus has not exactly made life easy for us: we had to deal with lockdowns, mobile working, etc. In truth, it was a crazy time. On the other hand, when I look back at all the really great times – employees who are passionate about what we do and give their all to come up with new ideas and solutions – I’m really touched. It makes me incredibly proud to be so heavily involved in the transformation of Mercedes‑Benz Trucks. With the eActros, we are launching the first all‑electric production vehicle from Mercedes‑Benz Trucks– not a prototype, not a small project, but a vehicle with the aim of convincing our customers to follow this path alongside us. It’s great to be part of the transformation and to be able to actively help shape it!