Developments by the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles division aimed at the advancement of e-mobility technology in their HGV product offering have been recognised by the International Truck of the Year (ITOY) jury who have presented the German manufacturer with their 2021 Truck Innovation Award. 

The prestigious award was bestowed on Mercedes-Benz in recognition of their two fully electric trucks – the battery-electric eActros and the fuel cell powered Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck concept vehicle.  

Votes were cast by a jury of 25 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists, representing major trucking magazines from Europe and South Africa.

First presented in 2018, the battery-electric eActros truck for urban distribution has since undergone intensive customer testing with series production planned for 2021.

The fuel-cell concept GenH2 Truck for long-haul operation had its world premiere in September 2020, ahead of customer trials scheduled for 2023. Production is expected to begin in second half of this decade.

Commenting on the significance of the award, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in Ireland, Fergus Conheady said: “This recognition which the award represents is a confirmation that the approach by Mercedes-Benz towards e-mobility is on the right path”. 

“Our combination of CO2-neutral technologies, in battery power and hydrogen-based fuel cells, enables us to offer our customers the best vehicle options, depending on their application,” he added.

GenH2 TruckMercedes-Benz eActros

About the Author: John Loughran