MAN promises 720 km of range for its new electric truck... and over 600 km in real-world conditions
At the IAA Transportation in Hanover, MAN unveiled a new generation of its eTGX with an announced range of up to 720 kilometers. But the manufacturer emphasizes a more concrete figure: over 600 kilometers under real long-distance transportation conditions.
Electric trucks are truly starting to make a significant impact. Less than two years after the first customer deliveries at Porsche’s plant in Leipzig, MAN presented a thoroughly revised version of its eTGX electric truck at the IAA Transportation in Hanover.
With an advertised range of up to 720 kilometers, the Munich-based manufacturer reaches a new milestone in long-distance driving. On paper, it even surpasses the new Volvo FH Aero Electric, which claims a range of up to 700 kilometers. But MAN doesn’t rely solely on this maximum figure. The manufacturer also states that its new truck can cover more than 600 kilometers under real-world long-distance driving conditions, a figure that is much more meaningful for operators.
A new battery to exceed 700 kilometers
The main improvement lies in the batteries. Each battery pack has increased from 89 kWh gross and 80 kWh net to 92 kWh gross and 88 kWh net. As a result, the capacity utilization rate rises to 95%. The NMC chemistry remains unchanged, and MAN continues to assemble its batteries at its plant in Nuremberg. On three-axle tractors with a 6×2 configuration, MAN can now install a seventh battery pack—a feature previously available only on chassis-based models.
With seven battery packs, the total capacity now reaches 644 kWh gross and 616 kWh net, compared to 534 kWh gross in the previous generation. It is in this “ideal” configuration that the advertised 720 km range can be achieved.
The 4×2 tractors, on the other hand, remain limited to six battery packs. They have 552 kWh gross and 528 kWh net capacity, with an advertised maximum range of 660 km.
Over 600 km in real-world conditions
MAN didn’t just add batteries to improve range. The manufacturer also revised the aerodynamics of its truck. The front end of the vehicle was extended by 120 mm to optimize air flow. This modification takes advantage of European regulations allowing greater length for zero-emission vehicles. MAN states that it also improves the driver’s direct visibility.
The energy recovery system during braking has also improved. According to MAN, it offers up to 20% more efficiency compared to the previous generation.
The combination of these aerodynamic and energy efficiency improvements allows the manufacturer to claim “over 600 km under real long-distance driving conditions.” This figure will obviously need to be verified in practice. Because the gap between the theoretical maximum range and the actual distance traveled with a payload, at highway speeds under varying conditions, can be significant.
Charging at up to 750 kW
To utilize a battery exceeding 600 kWh, charging power inevitably becomes a key factor. Since July, the MAN eTGX has come standard with the MCS connector for Megawatt Charging System. This enables the truck to accept charging power of up to 750 kW.
MAN is also preparing to electrify its TGE van
The eTGX is not the only electric vehicle unveiled by MAN at Hanover. The manufacturer also displays two pre-production prototypes of a TGE Electrified, developed in collaboration with the Swiss company Flux. These commercial vehicles are targeted at emergency services, firefighters, and local municipalities.
Two versions are planned, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4.0 and 5.5 tons respectively. They feature a battery with a capacity of 119 kWh and can achieve a range of up to 480 kilometers. The fast DC charging capacity reaches 140 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% charge in less than 30 minutes.
However, note that this is not yet the true electric successor to the TGE. The next generation of the MAN eTGE, developed together with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, is not expected until 2028, alongside the future e-Crafter…