The new Mercedes-Benz eEconic is a first-of-its-kind electric tank truck that helps reduce emissions at Airbus' Donauwörth facility by pumping sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into new Airbus Helicopters.
Teamed up with Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and aviation support specialist ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH, this eEconic tanked is equipped with a 16,500 liter fuel pump specially designed to pump sustainable aviation fuel … but that's not the best new truck.
The eEconic reduces both emissions and downtime – not least because EVs require far less maintenance than their diesel counterparts. Early experience with Airbus helicopters shows that, with the truck batteries installed, the SAF tank can be used in normal operation for a week without the need for intermediate charging.
To do it
The electric trailer pump is equipped with an electric power take-off (ePTO) system. The SAF pump in the tank body also draws energy stored in the car's three 105 kWh batteries (total 315 kWh).
That 315 kWh power also powers two electric motors integrated into the e-axles of the Mercedes Econic that produce a continuous power of 330 kW (up to 400 peak kW, or about 540 hp). More than enough hustle and bustle at the airport to board the rescue plane. And, despite the relatively long 5.5 meter (almost 18 feet) truck wheels, the eEconic has a tight turning radius thanks to a steering rear axle that also works to ensure it can park itself wherever it needs to when it rolls over. it needs to be configured.
Airbus is committed to reducing its carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and sees the use of SAF as an important factor here. Today, all Airbus aircraft operate with a 50% SAF blend. By 2030, all ICE Airbus aircraft will be certified to operate at 100% SAF.
Electrek's Take
Since short distances are driven at moderate speeds under heavy loads, airport ground handling equipment presents an almost ideal environment for battery-powered vehicles. That's a good thing, and – as the demand for fossil fuels on roads, airports and airlines – historically responsible for around 4% of global warming – decreases, they become a bigger and bigger slice of the rapidly shrinking pie when it comes to fuel emissions. .
Projects like the Mercedes-Benz Econic just show that EVs have a place in reducing carbon emissions, even if they still use fossil fuels.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Daimler trucks.
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