Mercedes eActros Aims for 621-Mile Electric Range on Global Tour
A modified electric truck with a living module targets double the standard range for a year-long world trip.
Key points
- The modified Mercedes eActros 600 targets a 621-mile range by reducing vehicle weight compared to standard freight loads.
- The year-long trip covers 28,000 miles across 30 countries with a limit of 80 charging stops.
- The truck supports 400-kilowatt fast charging, enabling a 10% to 80% battery fill in approximately 70 minutes.
Professional truck driver Tobias Wagner is preparing to circumnavigate the globe in a converted Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. The vehicle features a custom living module attached to the rear, transforming a commercial freight truck into a self-contained mobile home for a year-long journey.
The expedition aims to cover approximately 28,000 miles across more than 30 countries using only battery power. According to reports from Yahoo Autos, this would be the first known global circumnavigation in a fully battery-electric truck, with a target of no more than 80 charging stops.
Lighter load doubles estimated range
The eActros 600 is equipped with three lithium iron phosphate battery packs totaling 621 kilowatt-hours of capacity. Under standard commercial conditions with a fully loaded trailer, Mercedes-Benz quotes a range of about 310 miles for long-haul transport.
However, Wagner’s version carries a significantly lighter custom module instead of heavy freight. This reduction in weight, combined with modified tires and careful driving habits, allows the team to project a maximum range of 621 miles per charge. This figure represents roughly double the standard commercial specification.
Charging infrastructure remains the main hurdle
The planned route includes challenging regions in Central and East Asia, Australia, the United States, and Latin America. In many of these areas, high-powered charging stations for heavy-duty trucks are scarce or nonexistent.
To manage this, the truck supports CCS2 fast charging at up to 400 kilowatts. Mercedes states that this rate can fill the battery from 10% to 80% in about 70 minutes under ideal conditions. The team plans to average 350 miles between stops, a margin that leaves little room for error if infrastructure is unreliable.
Power output suits mobile living
The vehicle generates about 536 horsepower continuously, with a peak output of roughly 805 horsepower. This powertrain is designed to handle the 34,170-pound maximum weight of the expedition rig, which includes a kitchen and sleeping quarters.
While the electric axle and four-speed transmission provide ample force, the real test will be thermal management and battery efficiency over varied terrain. Success depends on maintaining consistent speeds and temperatures to preserve the extended range projection.
