Mercedes-Benz Trucks has become the first to drive an electric HGV from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just over 24 hours.
A Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 set off from John O’Groats on Wednesday 3 December and arrived at Land’s End a day later, becoming the first electric truck to successfully achieve this momentous drive.
With only three recharging stops – at Sterling, Sandbach and Exeter – during the 1,378km (854 mile) journey, this achievement demonstrates not only the long-distance capability, efficiency and technology of the new eActros 600, but also the growing potential for sustainable, fully-electric heavy-duty transport.
With an average efficiency of 1.175 km/kWh, the truck achieved a range of 510km on a single charge. The 39.5 tonne eActros 600 was powered exclusively by fully renewable electricity and saved 1.22 kg of CO₂ per mile driven - amounting to a total reduction of 1,042 kg. This saving is equivalent to more than three years of an average UK household’s electricity-related CO₂ footprint.
Nick Ford, PR & communications manager, Daimler Truck UK, commented: “The eActros 600 was engineered to prove that zero-emission long-haul transport isn’t a distant goal but is happening now. This successful run shows that electric trucks can meet the demands of operators today and is an important milestone not just for our Mercedes-Benz Trucks, but for the entire transport industry.”
