Mercedes-Benz Trucks has completed what it reckons is 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 drive also supported 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. The trip was used to boost awareness of the charity’s work and raise funds for its support programmes. Donations can be made via the shared link.
Driver Ali Colquhoun, who completed the first leg, 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 kilometre knowing we were not just testing a truck, we were helping demonstrate what the future of transport can look like.”
Nick Ford, PR & Communications Manager at Daimler Truck UK, added: “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 continued: “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 eActros 600 recently won both International Truck of the Year 2025 and GREENFLEET Vehicle of the Year 2025. It offers more than 500 km per full charge, and with megawatt charging (MCS), its 600kWh battery can go from 20% to 80% in around 25 minutes.
