Andreas Brunck about the challenges of the eActros before series production began

Andreas, how long did you work towards the start of production?

My team was involved right from the start. Planning how to build the eActros as a series product here at Wörth began back when the innovation fleet of the eActros was being launched on the market.

What was your job?

I was a sub-project manager and so I was one of those responsible for making production of the eActros feasible and sure. The aim was to integrate the eActros into existing production processes as much as possible. 

The eActros is made on the same assembly line as the trucks with conventional drive, and then for its electrification it goes into a separate production building, the Future Truck Center. Why wasn't the eActros fully integrated into the existing assembly line?

As a general rule, the construction of different vehicle types should be carried out in a largely integrated way and the basic structure of the vehicle should be built on a single production line, regardless of whether the truck is given a combustion engine or an electric drivetrain. This means the plant can adjust efficiently and faster still to different market demands and thus supply the high quality of Mercedes‑Benz. There are several reasons for the Future Truck Center: for one thing, assembly of the eActros is carried out under strict safety conditions. Each employee and team member at the Future Truck Center has to be qualified to work with high voltage technology. The other thing is that the start of production of the eActros isn't a normal start for us: it's a complete start from scratch. An electric truck like this places very different demands on production from a conventional vehicle, for example regarding the handling of the battery. That's why we chose to electrify the eActros at the Future Truck Center.

Which stations does the truck go through there?

First the charging unit is assembled. Also of course the high-voltage batteries and the crash sensors. Finally, there is the high-voltage commissioning of the vehicle: in the end, we literally push the switch and the truck can leave the building on its own wheels.

– Andreas Brunck, sub-project manager at the Wörth plant

Now that series production has started up: what comes next?

The basic vehicle will be successively extended by further features and model variants that will then go into production. Apart from that, we are currently working on the production start of the eEconic for next year: here we are pursuing the same production concept as with the eActros. The main assembly will be carried out on the standard production line and the electrification will be in the Future Truck Center. One thing is for sure: we certainly won't get bored.

A final personal question: what was your experience of the preparations for the production start and the last few months?

There were a lot of highlights, but there were turbulent times too. Corona didn't exactly make our lives easy: we had to deal with lockdown, mobile working etc. That was a really crazy time. But on the other hand, when I look at all the amazing moments – employees who are so keen on what we're doing and give their all to find new ideas and solutions – then that's overwhelming and it makes me incredibly proud that I'm on board and making a significant contribution to the transformation of Mercedes‑Benz Trucks. Because with the eActros we are taking the first series production from Mercedes‑Benz Trucks to the start – not a prototype, not a small project, but a vehicle with the aim of convincing our customers to travel this path with us. It's simply wonderful to be a part of this change and to be able to take an active part in achieving it!

Photos: Daimler Truck AG