A groundbreaking expedition is set to redefine electric vehicle capabilities, as professional truck driver and content creator Tobias Wagner, known online as Elektrotrucker, prepares for a global circumnavigation in a custom-built electric motorhome. The vehicle, a specially modified Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, features a full Bliss Mobil living module, transforming a heavy-duty electric truck into a self-sufficient mobile home.
Wagner’s ambitious journey aims to cover approximately 28,000 miles across more than 30 countries over the course of a year, powered entirely by battery. This endeavor marks what Mercedes-Benz Trucks describes as the first known global circumnavigation in a fully battery-electric truck, highlighting the evolving potential of sustainable long-distance travel and the critical role of advanced electric powertrain technology.
An electric behemoth ready for the open road
Beneath its spacious living quarters, the expedition vehicle is built upon the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 platform, originally designed for long-haul commercial freight. This electric truck is equipped with three lithium iron phosphate battery packs, offering a combined installed capacity of 621 kWh. While typically rated by Mercedes to achieve about 310 miles under specific fully loaded commercial test conditions, Wagner’s setup is significantly different.
The eActros has been meticulously modified for this unique purpose. Instead of hauling a heavy commercial trailer, it carries a custom-designed living module. Further alterations include the installation of single rear tires and specialized expedition equipment. These modifications are crucial, as they substantially reduce the overall weight and rolling resistance compared to a standard freight configuration, directly impacting the vehicle’s efficiency and range. The completed expedition vehicle reportedly has a maximum weight of approximately 34,170 pounds. Power is delivered through Mercedes’ electric axle and a four-speed transmission, providing a continuous output of about 536 horsepower, with peak performance reaching roughly 805 horsepower, an impressive amount of power for a vehicle that also serves as a mobile residence.
Pushing the boundaries of electric range
The most compelling aspect of this project is the audacious goal of achieving up to 621 miles on a single charge. This target represents nearly double the range Mercedes typically quotes for a fully loaded eActros 600 in commercial operations. Wagner and Mercedes engineers believe that the lighter expedition configuration, combined with meticulous hypermiling driving techniques, could make this extended range possible. This is vital because the journey’s design calls for no more than 80 charging stops for the entire 28,000-mile route, averaging roughly 350 miles between charges. However, actual distances between stops will fluctuate significantly depending on the terrain and available infrastructure.
The success of this ambitious range target will hinge on several environmental and operational factors, including:
- Road conditions: Smooth, well-maintained roads minimize energy expenditure.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can impact battery performance and efficiency.
- Speed: Maintaining a consistent, efficient speed is paramount for maximizing range.
- Terrain: Flat routes consume less energy than mountainous regions with significant elevation changes.
Achieving such an extended range is particularly critical for segments of the journey that traverse regions where high-powered truck charging infrastructure is scarce, such as parts of Central and East Asia, Australia, the United States, and various countries in Latin America. Maximizing the distance between charges will be key to navigating these challenging logistical landscapes.
Advanced charging solutions for a global trek
Despite the impressive battery capacity, even this formidable electric truck will need to recharge. The eActros 600 supports CCS2 fast charging technology, capable of up to 400 kW. Under specified conditions, this allows the battery to replenish from 10% to 80% in approximately 70 minutes. Mercedes has also demonstrated Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology, which can deliver up to 1,000 kW, potentially cutting charging times even more dramatically on compatible infrastructure, though such systems are not yet widely deployed.
Recognizing the diversity of global charging standards, Wagner’s expedition vehicle has been meticulously prepared for various systems. It features charging connections strategically placed on both sides of the truck for convenience and includes specific adapters designed for the charging infrastructure prevalent in China and North America. This adaptability is essential for seamless travel beyond Europe. Furthermore, the project incorporates a crucial backup power solution: Wagner has equipped the truck with his own Alpitronic DC charging station. This allows for charging from AC connections at up to 43 kW in special situations where conventional high-powered truck charging stations are unavailable, providing an indispensable layer of flexibility and self-reliance.
A self-contained home on wheels
The heart of the living experience on this electric expedition is the Bliss Mobil expedition module, a roughly 13-foot unit seamlessly integrated behind the truck’s cab. Inside, the module offers a comprehensive living space designed for comfort and functionality. It features a U-shaped dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom located towards the rear. A clever drop-down bed system stores above the dining area, maximizing interior space during the day. While the camper is designed to sleep up to four people, Wagner will enjoy considerably more room, as his primary travel companion is his dog, Krümelix.
The living module itself embraces the electric theme, operating independently from fossil fuels. It is powered by a separate 400-Ah lithium battery, which is continuously recharged by a 1,000-watt solar panel system. This dedicated power source supports all onboard equipment, including an induction cooktop, refrigerator, and air conditioning, without relying on diesel or propane. For extended periods away from conventional facilities, the motorhome carries approximately 106 gallons of fresh water, managed by a multi-stage filtration system. Bliss Mobil designed the expedition module as a largely self-contained unit, with its electrical and plumbing systems integrated within the camper, rather than being dependent on the truck’s primary systems. This modular approach allows Bliss Mobil units to be transferred between compatible truck chassis. While largely independent, the living module does maintain a 24-volt connection to the eActros, enabling it to draw energy from the truck’s main battery if necessary. However, conserving every watt of power used inside the camper is a priority, as it directly contributes to extending the truck’s overall driving range.
