The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. But it also comes with a lot of environmental challenges, such as increased carbon emissions, waste, and energy consumption. That’s why Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola have teamed up to make this year’s Christmas truck tour more sustainable than ever, using the eActros electric truck.

What is the eActros electric truck?

The eActros is a fully electric truck that can travel up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a single charge, with zero local emissions and low noise levels. It is part of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ eMobility initiative, which aims to develop and test electric vehicles for different transport applications. The eActros has been undergoing practical trials with various customers since 2018 and is expected to enter series production in 2023.

How is the eActros used for the Christmas truck tour?

Coca-Cola is one of the first customers to use the eActros for its Christmas truck tour, which has been a popular tradition in many countries since 1995. The tour features a fleet of trucks decorated with festive lights and images of Santa Claus, delivering happiness and refreshments to people along the way. This year, the tour is taking place in Austria, with 24 stops in 17 cities from November 16 to December 23.

The eActros is the main attraction of the tour, as it showcases the potential of electric mobility for long-distance transport. The truck is equipped with a refrigerated swap body from Schmitz Cargobull, which can store up to 10 pallets of beverages at a constant temperature. The truck also features a special design with the slogan “Holidays are coming - emission-free,” highlighting the environmental benefits of the eActros.

What are the benefits of the eActros for the planet and the people?

The eActros is good not only for the planet but also for the people. The truck offers a comfortable and safe driving experience with a spacious cab, a digital cockpit, and various assistance systems. The truck also has a fire detection and alarm system, which can warn the driver in case of an emergency. The eActros is powered by two electric motors, which deliver a total output of 400 kW (544 hp) and a maximum torque of 970 Nm (715 lb-ft). The truck can be charged at a compatible charging station in about two hours using a Combined Charging System (CCS) connector.

The eActros also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the Christmas truck tour, as it does not emit any harmful gases or pollutants. According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the eActros can save up to 60 tons of CO2 per year compared to a conventional diesel truck. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 13 passenger cars. By using the eActros, Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola are contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change and achieve the Paris Agreement goals.

What are the other sustainability activities and initiatives of the Christmas truck tour?

The eActros is not the only way that Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola are promoting sustainability during the Christmas truck tour. The tour also includes several activities and initiatives that aim to raise awareness and inspire action among the visitors. Some of these are:

• A donation campaign for the Austrian Red Cross, which supports people in need during the winter season. For every photo taken with the eActros and shared on social media with the hashtag #eActros, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Coca-Cola will donate one euro to the Red Cross.
• A recycling station where visitors can return their empty beverage bottles and cans and receive a voucher for a free drink. The station also provides information on how to recycle properly and reduce waste.
• A solar-powered stage where local artists and bands perform live music and entertainment. The stage is powered by photovoltaic panels, which generate renewable energy from the sun.
• A sustainability quiz, where visitors can test their knowledge on environmental topics and win prizes. The quiz also educates the visitors on how Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola are implementing sustainability in their operations and products.

Conclusion

The Christmas truck tour is a great example of how Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola are working together to create a positive impact on society and the environment. By using the eActros electric truck, they are demonstrating their commitment to innovation and leadership in the field of eMobility. By offering various sustainability activities and initiatives, they are engaging and empowering their customers and communities to join them in their journey towards a greener future. @via Panorica.