A battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eActros tractor unit has proved its readiness for work in the UK by completing a five-day, 1,400-mile journey around the country.
Hauling a standard road trailer, and fully freighted at 40 tonnes, the eActros 600 saw off the challenge of this year’s EV Rally event which took place from July 1-5.
The event saw 50 vehicles of varying sizes and types set off from Oldbury in the West Midlands, on a tour that took in visits to 26 locations.
Although the event was open to all EVs, only two trucks took part and the eActros was the only tractor unit.
Day one involved a 258-mile drive via five intermediate checkpoints to finish in Carlisle.
The second day’s route covered 285 miles, ending at the Daimler Truck UK complex at Wentworth Park, near Sheffield.
Day three saw the longest single day’s drive, at 366 miles on a circuitous route to Cambridge, while the fourth instalment saw participants cover 315 miles to Exeter.
Finally, the last stint of 265 miles brought the participants through Wales to the finish line in Chester.
The eActros also visited several Mercedes-Benz truck dealers on its journey around the country.
James Venables, Daimler Truck UK Head of Future Sustainability, said, “The truck is big, bold and exciting and taking part in this event has been great fun but, more importantly, we’ve proved that our engineers are right when they say the truck can cover 500 km on a single charge.
“The EV Rally is all about showcasing today’s electric vehicles and the fact that a multi-day marathon journey is very much achievable, using the current network of charging points. As the national infrastructure develops that will only get easier.”
