Mercedes eEconic refuels Airbus SAF for 7 days on one charge, zero emissions

Airbus has adopted the Mercedes-Benz eEconic, an all-electric tanker truck, to fuel its Airbus Helicopters with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Donauwörth facility in Germany.

This partnership between Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge GmbH, a specialist in aircraft support, represents the first-of-its-kind deployment of an electric fueling truck in the aerospace industry.

This eEconic aims to reduce emissions and operating costs, and it is a strategic addition to Airbus’ commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

A specialized fueling system to power Airbus helicopters

The Mercedes-Benz eEconic has been fitted with an impressive 16,500-liter fuel tank designed specifically to handle and pump sustainable aviation fuel. The tank’s setup, engineered by ROHR Spezialfahrzeuge, allows the truck to serve Airbus Helicopters’ refueling needs efficiently without compromising performance.

According to Airbus , the tanker’s fueling capacity and specialized design make it uniquely capable of reducing on-site emissions while delivering operational reliability.

This electric tanker isn’t just eco-friendly; it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Traditional diesel-fueled trucks demand frequent upkeep, but the eEconic’s electric architecture keeps it running for longer intervals with minimal downtime.

“Airbus Helicopters’ early experiences show that, with the truck’s installed batteries, the SAF tanker can be used in normal operation for a full week without the need for intermediate charging,” an Airbus spokesperson reported .

This operational longevity underscores the eEconic’s potential to revolutionize ground support at major aerospace facilities.

High-capacity batteries and efficient performance

At the heart of the eEconic’s sustainability and efficiency is a robust power system. The truck is equipped with three high-capacity batteries, each boasting 105 kWh, for a combined total of 315 kWh. This power bank fuels the eEconic’s SAF pump and the hydraulic system that drives the fuel-dispensing mechanism.

The electric power take-off system (ePTO) powers the pump directly from the vehicle’s batteries, ensuring uninterrupted operation even under heavy-duty conditions.

Moreover, the eEconic’s e-axles feature two electric motors that produce a continuous output of 442 horsepower (330 kW), which can surge to 536 horsepower (400 kW), providing nearly 540 horsepower. This power allows the eEconic to operate seamlessly across large facilities, quickly refueling rescue helicopters or other critical aerospace assets.

Despite its size, with a wheelbase of approximately 18 feet (about 5.5 meters), the truck’s steered rear axle enables a tight turning radius. This maneuverability ensures that the eEconic can navigate crowded airport grounds with ease, positioning itself exactly where it’s needed.

Part of Airbus’ greater net-zero strategy

The deployment of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic is part of Airbus’ broader commitment to sustainable operations. Airbus aims to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, identifying SAF as a vital component of that strategy.

Currently, Airbus aircraft operate on a 50% SAF blend, but by 2030, Airbus plans to certify all its internal combustion engine (ICE) aircraft to run on 100% SAF.

Airports and airlines have traditionally contributed around 4% of the Earth’s global warming , making sustainable ground support equipment a priority for reducing overall emissions. As demand for fossil fuels diminishes in other sectors, the aviation industry’s share of emissions grows proportionately.

The eEconic truck, with its electric powertrain and advanced fueling capabilities, represents an ideal solution for airport ground support, as it is built to handle short distances at low speeds with extreme loads—an environment suited perfectly to battery-electric vehicles.

This electric tanker is more than a step towards eco-friendly aviation. It symbolizes a shift in how aerospace companies are rethinking ground operations and fueling infrastructure.