Like its competitors, MAN now has a full range of electric trucks, from the TGL to the TGX. The brand opted for a classic structure with an electric motor and a separate gearbox. We were guests at the test center in Munich to get acquainted with ten vehicles.
In order to test everything in the right conditions, MAN had planned different routes depending on the vehicle: village roads (TGL), motorway (TGX) and even a former private quarry (TGS). The vehicles were loaded according to the German tolerance for the additional weight of the batteries, for example 42 tons for the TGX. The bad weather also gave us the opportunity to test the digital cameras (MAN OptiView), which replace the classic mirrors. With success by the way.
Although a first test drive does not allow exact consumption measurements, we still found that it is feasible to stay close to – or even below – the limit of 100 kWh per 100 km in real conditions in terms of load, climate and relief. In some cases you can even easily reach around 85 to 90 kWh.
Clear overview
The new driver screen stands out for its intuitive operation and provides a clear overview of the most important vehicle data. The lack of a tachometer creates central space for information, such as the electric PTO shafts. Once the vehicle has started, a message will appear on the screen for the driver (ON + lightning logo). Then all you have to do is choose a driving mode and you can go.
The advantages of the electric MAN trucks are particularly pleasant and provide extra comfort for the driver: fast but smooth acceleration without jerks. Eliminate the vibrations, while the interruptions in pulling power and feel when shifting remain extremely minimal. The quiet driving behavior is of course also an asset.
For the experienced MAN driver, the right lever behind the steering wheel remains familiar: where it used to control the engine braking/retarder effect, it now activates regeneration. Simple and effective, although the ‘One Pedal Driving’ system remains the best solution. It is a driving technique in which you both accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal: press to accelerate, release to slow down and recover energy.
EfficientCruise
That is the name of MAN’s GPS-guided speed controller. As a reminder: it recognizes ascents and descents up to three kilometers ahead. Even more so than with diesel trucks, this is a useful aid for energy-efficient driving with an electric truck.
To tackle slopes efficiently, the new PredictiveDrive system supports the driver. It compares the different strategies for speed and switching points depending on the route to be driven and chooses the one that consumes the least energy. In general, it comes down to gaining as much speed as possible when approaching a slope, for example by downshifting in time and accelerating beforehand to generate the necessary power.
In short, MAN is ready for series production of its electric models. With a wide range of cabins, configurations and battery packs, it becomes difficult for the customer not to find what he is looking for. Add to that the already excellent comfort and ergonomics, and you have the recipe for a very likely success.
Good to know
• Series production started
• Strengths: ergonomics and high comfort
• Thousands of combinations possible
Full range
• eTGL. The single cab, called CC, is 2240mm wide and 1620mm deep. Depending on requirements, the construction length varies from 6100 mm to 7300 mm. Two battery modules are provided that together provide a maximum usable capacity of 160 kWh. The gearbox is the two-speed MAN TipMatic 2. The nominal power is 210 kW (285 hp) with a torque of 800 Nm (in some cases up to 1150 Nm).
• eTGS. Three cabs are available: NN, TN and TM with raised roof. With the same width of 2240 mm, the depth varies from 1880 mm to 2280 mm. The eTGS can be equipped with the MAN eCD engine of 330 or 400 kW.
• eTGX. It is only available with a 2240 mm wide sleeper cab, with three interior heights: flat roof (GN), high roof (GM) and finally the most spacious version, the GX. Like the TGS, it is equipped with a four-speed TipMatic gearbox.
• The eTGS and eTGX can have 4, 5 or 6 battery packs, and for rigid trucks even 3 or 7. The charging connection is standard on the left, but can also be placed on the right or even at the front.
