Where Next?

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has completed what is believed to be the first electric HGV run from John O’Groats to Land’s End, covering the length of the UK in just over 24 hours. The journey was carried out using an eActros 600, which left John O’Groats on Wednesday 3 December and arrived at Land’s End the following day.

The team made three charging stops on the 1378km (854-mile) route, plugging in at Stirling, Sandbach and Exeter. The run aimed to show how the eActros 600 handles a long-distance shift using public charging, with Mercedes-Benz highlighting the truck’s efficiency and the growing potential for electric heavy haulage.

Across the trip, the eActros averaged 1.175 km/kWh and achieved a maximum single-charge range of 510 km. Running at 39.5 tonnes and powered only by renewable electricity, the manufacturer calculates a CO₂ saving of 1.22 kg per mile – totalling 1,042 kg. Mercedes-Benz says that’s similar to more than three years of electricity-related CO₂ from an average UK household.

The trip was in support of Globe Truckers UK, a charity focused on helping professional drivers affected by injury, trauma or mental health challenges. The organisation offers peer support, emergency assistance, welfare checks and signposting to specialist services, with volunteers drawn from within the HGV community.