- Mercedes-Benz Trucks will debut the eActros Lowliner and NextGenH2 truck at IAA Transportation 2026.
- The company is advancing electric, hydrogen, diesel, and safety technologies for future freight transport.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced that it will present its latest developments in sustainable road freight transportation during IAA Transportation 2026 in Germany this September. The company plans to showcase multiple technology pathways aimed at reducing transport emissions while improving operational efficiency and safety. The exhibition will feature battery-electric trucks, hydrogen fuel cell technology, updated diesel solutions, and advanced safety systems designed to address evolving industry requirements and future regulatory expectations.
eActros Lowliner to Expand Electric Freight Operations
The centerpiece of the company's presentation will be the new eActros Lowliner, developed specifically for high-volume electric transport applications. The vehicle will be offered with either two or three lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, each delivering 207 kWh of energy capacity. This configuration results in a total battery capacity of 414 kWh for the eActros 400 Lowliner and 621 kWh for the eActros 600 Lowliner. Orders are scheduled to open during the third quarter of 2026 across EU30 markets and selected international regions, while production is planned to begin in the second quarter of 2027 at the Wörth am Rhein facility in Germany.
eActros Lowliner Specifications and Performance
The eActros 600 Lowliner is engineered to achieve an approximate driving range of 500 kilometers on a full battery charge, making it suitable for demanding logistics operations. Meanwhile, the eActros 400 Lowliner uses fewer battery packs, reducing overall vehicle weight and enabling a higher payload capacity. As a result, the eActros 400 Lowliner can transport up to 24 tonnes of cargo, whereas the eActros 600 Lowliner supports payloads of up to 21 tonnes. This allows fleet operators to select configurations based on their specific range and load requirements.
eActros Lowliner Technical Comparison
| Model | Battery Capacity | Range | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| eActros 400 Lowliner | 414 kWh | Not Specified | Up to 24 tonnes |
| eActros 600 Lowliner | 621 kWh | Around 500 km | Up to 21 tonnes |
NextGenH2 Hydrogen Truck Targets Long-Distance Transport
Alongside its battery-electric offering, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will highlight the NextGenH2 truck, which utilizes liquid hydrogen and the BZA150 fuel cell system developed by Cellcentric. The vehicle has been designed with future large-scale production in mind and is intended to support long-haul transport operations where extended range is critical. The company expects approximately 100 NextGenH2 trucks to enter customer operations later this year, marking an important step toward commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered freight vehicles.
The NextGenH2 truck is capable of traveling more than 1,000 kilometers on a single hydrogen tank, demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology for long-distance logistics. By combining liquid hydrogen storage with an established fuel cell platform, the truck aims to deliver operational flexibility while supporting efforts to reduce transport-related emissions across commercial vehicle fleets.
New Safety Technologies to Improve Intersection Protection
In addition to its alternative powertrain developments, the company will introduce two new safety systems focused on intersection scenarios. These technologies have been developed using real-world accident data and are intended to either prevent collisions or reduce their severity when incidents occur. The systems are part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety for commercial vehicle operations while helping fleets prepare for future safety regulations and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main highlight of Mercedes-Benz Trucks at IAA Transportation 2026?
The primary highlight is the new eActros Lowliner electric truck developed for high-volume freight transportation applications. The vehicle will be available in multiple battery configurations and is designed to support efficient electric logistics operations. Mercedes-Benz Trucks will also showcase hydrogen fuel cell technology through the NextGenH2 truck, updated diesel solutions, and advanced safety systems. Together, these technologies demonstrate the company's multi-pathway approach toward cleaner and safer commercial transportation.
How far can the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 truck travel on a single tank?
The Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 truck is designed to travel more than 1,000 kilometers on a single tank of liquid hydrogen. The vehicle uses the BZA150 fuel cell system supplied by Cellcentric and is intended for long-haul freight applications. Its extended range makes it suitable for routes where battery-electric solutions may face operational limitations. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to place around 100 NextGenH2 vehicles into customer service as part of its commercialization efforts.
When will the eActros Lowliner become available?
The eActros Lowliner is scheduled to become available for ordering during the third quarter of 2026 across EU30 countries and selected additional markets. Production is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027 at the Wörth am Rhein manufacturing facility in Germany. Customers will be able to choose between eActros 400 and eActros 600 variants depending on their operational needs, payload requirements, and desired driving range.
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