In a feat that underscores both technical ingenuity and the evolving role of electric mobility in freight transport, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has set a new Guinness World Records title with its battery-electric long-haul eActros 600 – reversing a distance of 124.7 kilometres with a semitrailer. The run beats the previous record, set in the US with a diesel truck in 2020, by nearly 36 kilometres and shines a light on the relevance of electrification, road safety and the value of professional drivers.
Reversing a 40-tonne electric truck hitched to a semi-trailer for over 100 kilometres might sound like a publicity stunt but for Daimler Truck, it’s a clever marketing coup. The record-breaking feat not only draws headlines but also proves just how refined the eActros 600’s technology is. From precision handling to driver assistance systems like reverse cameras, the truck held its line and composure through 476 bends, turning a seemingly absurd challenge into a compelling showcase of electric truck capability.
On track and public roads
Held at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, the record-setting run took 6 hours and 22 minutes, averaging 20 kilometres per hour across a demanding racetrack with 14 tight bends. This controlled environment minimised the risk of interruption, ensuring a clean, continuous drive.
The driver of the eActros and now Guinness World Record titleholder was Marco Hellgrewe (50), an officer in the German Armed Forces and a truck enthusiast.
Later the same day, Hellgrewe piloted the eActros 600 for 30 kilometres in reverse on open roads from Oschersleben to Halberstadt, escorted by police and cheered on by city officials and logistics leaders.
The journey ended at Daimler Truck’s new Global Parts Center in Halberstadt, reinforcing not just the vehicle’s capabilities but also the brand’s broader message around electrification, road safety and the vital role of truck drivers.
“I’m incredibly proud to have brought back the record to Germany together with Mercedes-Benz Trucks – especially as it is a world first with an all-electric drive,” said Hellgrewe. “By doing so, we have sent out a powerful message for the future of alternative drives. I am convinced that we have also drawn broad attention to the topics of road safety and driver image that are particularly important to me as an examiner of learner truck drivers, who tend to be younger.”
With hundreds of bends to negotiate, the on-track record required significant focus and precision. Hellgrewe added: “The very long trip with a total of 476 bends demanded an enormous effort – and for this reason alone, it was a great help that the eActros 600 and its assistance systems make driving so much easier.”
Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, head of product engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, acknowledged the impact of the achievement. “We warmly congratulate Marco Hellgrewe on his successful world-record trip and express our thanks for his great achievement as a driver. We are especially pleased that he set the new record with our all-electric powered Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. Marco Hellgrewe’s unusual trip in the service of transformation towards alternative drives will surely have a certain signalling effect for the industry and for society.”
He continued: “Reversing is a central part of the day-to-day work of truck drivers and Marco Hellgrewe more than clearly showed the whole world that a great deal of concentration and ability are needed for this. Each and every day, truck drivers perform great tasks for society and this must be given corresponding recognition too – specifically in the light of the increasing shortage of drivers.”
All for trucking and the greater good
The record attempt was supported by two partners – PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. and Blicki e.V. – whose work advocates for greater recognition of truck driving as a profession and increased road safety awareness among children and families.
Prof Dr Dirk Engelhardt, chairman of PROFI, said: “We express our sincere congratulations to Marco Hellgrewe and Mercedes-Benz Trucks on the new record. We were very happy to give our support to this project because it raises awareness of the role played by professional drivers in our society. The record provides an excellent platform to increase appreciation for this profession. The activity also shows how innovative technologies can make a positive contribution to the future of transportation.”
Dirk Hendler, managing director of Blicki e.V., added: “Many congratulations to Marco Hellgrewe and Mercedes-Benz Trucks on the new record! This project is a great opportunity to raise awareness of road safety among children and families. We are excited to be part of this and spread our message in this way.”
With over 80 000 primary school children already trained in its workshops, Blicki continues to build road safety awareness with support from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and industry leaders such as VDA president Hildegard Müller.
From precision engineering to public advocacy, the record-breaking run is more than just a milestone in reverse driving – it’s a powerful showcase of innovation, truck electrification and respect for the people who keep goods moving.
