The Mercedes Formula 1 team has become the first to transport race cars to a continental European Grand Prix using an all-electric truck.
The team used a zero-emission Mercedes eActros 600 to carry its two W16 race cars – driven by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli – from its Brackley base to this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The journey covered 418 miles.
Mercedes F1 first tested electric transport earlier this year at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, using three eActros 600s to move the W16s and equipment to their home race.
Battery Technology and Range
The eActros 600 features a 600kWh battery with a minimum range of 311 miles per charge.
The truck’s fast-charging system can power up from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes. This speed comes from its megawatt charging system – allowing charging speeds up to a megawatt.
Mercedes F1 plans to use its electric truck fleet for European races in upcoming seasons.
“As a team, our commitment to sustainability means that we rethink how we move, not just how we race,” said Alice Ashpitel, Mercedes F1’s sustainability head.
“While we are driven by performance on track, we are incredibly proud that our innovations travel beyond the grid. The use of the eActros 600, initially piloted at our home race in July, is another important step in our decarbonisation journey.”
Industry Impact
Ash Armstrong, eConsultancy manager at Daimler Truck UK, highlighted the broader implications for logistics.
“We are continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible with battery electric trucks. Our partnership with the Mercedes F1 team is key in demonstrating that sustainable, long-haul distribution has arrived with our eActros 600.”
He emphasized that the Brackley-to-Zandvoort transport showcases the truck’s capability – proving “range anxiety is no longer an issue.”
Production of the eActros 600 began in November 2024, with strong adoption among logistics operators. Amazon added 140 units to its UK fleet in January, while delivery firm Hive incorporated 11 Mercedes electric trucks into its all-electric lineup.
The move represents F1’s push toward sustainability while maintaining the sport’s demanding logistics requirements across the European racing calendar.
