YouTuber to tackle first lap around the world in a battery-electric truck

Tobias Wagner, a professional truck driver and popular YouTuber known as “Elektrotrucker,” is set to embark on what is believed to be the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe in a fully battery-electric truck. Wagner, who works for German logistics firm Nanno Janssen Spedition, will undertake this ambitious journey in a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a long-haul electric truck with a range of around 500 kilometres. Accompanied by his dog, Wagner aims to demonstrate the viability of electric trucks for long-distance freight transport, sharing his experiences through his extensive social media following. The planned expedition will cover approximately 45,000 kilometres across more than 35 countries, with a maximum of 80 charging stops over the course of about a year. To prepare for the journey, the eActros 600 has been specially modified, including the addition of a spare wheel carrier integrated with a mobile charging unit, single tyres, extra headlights, and a custom motorhome-style body by Bliss Mobil, which will serve as Wagner’s mobile base. The truck itself boasts a 600kWh+ battery and an efficient electric drive axle, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to electrifying long-haul transport. Wagner is confident in the capabilities of electric trucks for long-distance haulage, having already accumulated 200,000 kilometres in the eActros 600 on national and international routes. He emphasises that electric trucks are already a practical solution in many parts of Europe and hopes his global journey will convince sceptics of their potential. “Electric trucks in long-distance transport work without any problems,” he said, highlighting the eActros 600’s suitability for such an endeavour. Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany’s chairman, Christian Wilz, expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a valuable test of electric truck performance on a global scale. He noted that while battery-electric long-haul transport is a reality in parts of Europe, the necessary infrastructure is still under development in many regions. Wagner’s expedition will therefore not only showcase the technology’s capabilities but also highlight areas where further infrastructure investment is needed to make electric freight transport widely viable. The journey is scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2024, with Wagner documenting every stage on his YouTube channel. This pioneering trip promises to provide important insights into the future of sustainable logistics and the expanding role of electromobility in heavy transport worldwide.