Electric HGV conquers John O’Groats to Land’s End

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has become the first to drive an electric HGV from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a time of just over 24 hours. A Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 set off from John O’Groats on 3 December and arrived at Land’s End a day later, becoming the first electric truck to successfully complete the journey.

With only three recharging stops - at Sterling, Sandbach and Exeter - during the 854-mile journey, this achievement, according to Mercedes Benz Trucks, 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 1.175km/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 1.22kg of CO₂ per mile driven - amounting to a total reduction of 1,042kg. This saving is equivalent to more than three years of an average UK household’s electricity-related CO₂ footprint.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is proud to use this milestone achievement to support Globe Truckers UK, a charity committed to helping drivers affected by injury and promoting mental health within the trucking community. Donations can be made via the following link: here.

The future of transport
Ali Colquhoun who drove the first leg of the journey, said: “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. We covered every mile 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 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. 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, said: “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 just also been crowned GREENFLEET Vehicle of the Year 2025. It offers a class-leading range of more than 500km per full charge while rapid charging using the MW charging system (MCS) allows the truck’s 600kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery to go from 20 to 80% charge in just 25min.