Daimler Truck recalls first-generation electric trucks

Daimler Truck has launched a global recall affecting more than 131,000 commercial vehicles. Alongside diesel-powered models, the campaign also covers battery-electric trucks, specifically eActros 300 and eActros 400 vehicles equipped with AGM batteries and produced up to October 2025. The company's flagship battery-electric model, the eActros 600, is not affected. A technical defect in the vehicles’ energy supply system has prompted a large-scale service campaign affecting the Arocs and Actros with internal combustion engines as well as the battery-electric eActros. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), corrosion can develop on the contacts of an improperly installed chip in the battery. During vehicle operation, this can lead to excessive heat generation and, in the worst case, cause a fire. A total of 27,084 units produced between March 2021 and October 2025 in Germany are affected. Alongside the diesel models Actros and Arocs, this includes the battery-electric models eActros 300 and eActros 400 (first generation). These electric distribution trucks, equipped with three or four battery packs and capacities exceeding 300 kWh depending on the configuration, are primarily used in heavy regional transport and must now be taken to workshops. However, the second generation of the eActros 400, which entered series production in December 2025, and Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ flagship model, the eActros 600, which began series production in November 2024 for long-haul transport, are unaffected. As an immediate remedial measure for the affected diesel and electric trucks, the faulty ACE chip will be professionally disconnected. In some cases, the components were supplied with insufficient resin sealing, which promoted harmful corrosion on the electrical contacts. Daimler Truck emphasises that quality assurance and monitoring of the action are closely coordinated with the KBA. “Daimler Truck AG is aware of only isolated incidents related to this issue, and no personal injuries have been reported,” the commercial vehicle manufacturer stated. wiwo.de, kba-online.de (both in German)