Merc eActros 600 completes Land’s End journey
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has reported that its eActros 600 has become the first electric truck to take on the journey from John O’Groats at Scotland’s north-easternmost point to Land’s End in Cornwall in just over 24 hours.
The challenge was embarked upon last Wednesday in support of the drivers’ mental and physical health charity, Globe Truckers UK.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks said the record – which saw the 39.5-tonne vehicle traverse a distance of 1,378km (854 miles) with only three recharging stops – demonstrates the viability of eHGVs for long-distance journeys, as well as showcasing the eActros’ efficiency and technology.
The charge stops took place at Stirling, Sandbach in Cheshire and Exeter in Devon, while the truck achieved an average efficiency of 1.175 km/kWh, and a range of 510 km on a single charge.
During the course of its journey the eActros 600 was powered exclusively by fully renewable electricity, and saved 1.22 kg of CO₂ per mile driven – amounting to a total 1,042 kg reduction.
Globe Truckers UK is committed to helping drivers affected by injury, as well as promoting mental health among truckers. Readers can donate to the cause at its website.
“From the moment we left John O’Groats, the eActros 600 delivered steady power, smooth handling and the confidence we needed for a challenge like this,” said Ali Colquhoun, who drove the vehicle for the first leg of the journey.
“We covered every kilometre knowing we were not just testing a truck, we were helping demonstrate what the future of transport can look like.”
Nick Ford, PR and communications manager at Mercedes-Benz parent firm Daimler Truck UK, said: “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 from John O’Groats to Land’s End 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.”
He added: “We are also proud to support Globe Truckers UK to shine a spotlight on the wellbeing of the drivers who keep our country moving.”
Globe Truckers UK CEO Andy Tustian commented: “We are very grateful to Mercedes-Benz Trucks for helping to raise awareness of our charity.
“As a charity, we support those in need throughout the HGV industry. It was a good opportunity to be able to get our name seen nationwide during the trip.”
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is the International Truck of the Year 2025 and has also been crowned Greenfleet Vehicle of the Year 2025.
In addition to a range of more than 500km per full charge, the truck enables rapid charging using the megawatt charging system (MCS), which allows its 600kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery to charge from 20 to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.
