Agricultural distributor Agrii has introduced its first all-electric HGV to its fleet – a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 – for overnight trunking runs between its central hub and regional depots. The battery-electric 4×2 tractor is expected to cover 60,000 km annually and will reduce Agrii’s CO₂ emissions by 59 tonnes each year.
Supplied by Midlands Truck & Van, the long-haul eActros 600 impressed during full-load testing, becoming the only vehicle in its class capable of handling Agrii’s 460 km delivery route on a single charge.
Agrii’s National Distribution Manager, Richard Pinnock, said: “It’s almost unnatural to think a truck of that size can be electric and cover such a distance on a single charge. Sustainability is a key concern for the agricultural sector, and adopting our first electric HGV marks an important step in reducing our environmental footprint.”
The eActros 600’s 500+ km range positions it as a leader in zero-emissions long-haul operations in the UK. Its nearly silent operation also makes it more suitable for night-time rural deliveries – less noise, less disruption.
This isn’t a one-off trial vehicle. It’s already out there operating routes every night, and its performance is being closely monitored by other operators in the sector who’ve been hesitant to adopt BEV artics due to concerns over payload and range.
Mercedes-Benz is clearly confident that the eActros 600 will make a significant impact. Heiko Selzam, MD of Daimler Truck UK, said: “Agrii’s adoption of the eActros 600 shows that electric long-haul transport is ready for real-world operations. With its 500 km+ range and proven capability, the eActros 600 enables forward-thinking operators like Agrii to meet sustainability targets without compromising on productivity.”
The vehicle’s livery also stands out. It has been wrapped using Metamark’s Metaglide vinyl by Finch Signs, printed on a Roland VG3-540 for sharper graphics and a cleaner finish across the curved cab panels.
Agrii’s long-standing partnership with Midlands Truck & Van played a vital role in the vehicle’s deployment. Sales executive Amit Verma, who has worked with the company for over ten years, said: “From early prototype testing to detailed route analysis, this project has been a true collaboration.”
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