eTrucker plans record-breaking electric truck journey around the globe

Tobias Wagner, known as eTrucker, has revealed plans for a record-breaking journey. He aims to circle the globe in an electric truck with just 80 charging stops. The announcement came at the Media Summit before the IAA TRANSPORTATION trade fair. The adventure will begin on the final day of the IAA TRANSPORTATION exhibition. Wagner will travel solo most of the time, though a film crew will join occasionally. His route takes him east across the Caspian Sea, through Thailand and Laos, then by ship to Australia, before finishing in the Americas via the Pan-American Highway.

His vehicle is a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, powered by a 600-kWh battery pack with a certified range of 500 kilometres. The truck features an adjustable air suspension for off-road terrain, an electro-hydraulic front axle, and electric rear-wheel drive for better grip. It also has construction-site tyres and underbody armour to protect the rear-axle motor without reducing efficiency.

The truck’s platform carries a custom camper with a kitchen, bathroom, drop-down bed, and TV. For short trips, Wagner will use a Honda WN7 electric motorcycle, which charges independently via a rooftop solar panel. The truck also carries spare tyres and a retractable Alpitronic charging unit to convert to AC power when needed. The journey will test the limits of electric long-haul travel. The truck’s advanced features and Wagner’s preparations aim to ensure the attempt succeeds. The record bid will begin once the IAA TRANSPORTATION exhibition concludes.