Daimler Truck began operating a fleet of 14 fully electric eActros 600 trucks on July 14, 2025, to electrify inbound logistics routes supplying its plants in Wörth, Gaggenau, Mannheim and Kassel. The initiative, dubbed ‘Electrify Inbound Logistic,’ marks the first time the company has deployed battery-electric trucks on international long-haul routes for production supply, aiming for carbon-dioxide-free local deliveries.
The project is considered a significant step towards decarbonizing the company’s logistics chain. Daimler Truck intends to progressively electrify supplier transports for production, demonstrating the viability of e-mobility in road freight transport, according to Oliver Berger, Head of Network Strategy and Sustainability Inbound Logistics at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The broader automotive industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, driven by stricter regulations and dwindling fossil fuel supplies. The Fraunhofer Alliance for Traffic notes that while the passenger vehicle sector has seen rapid electrification, the commercial vehicle industry has lagged due to inherent complexities. Still, battery-electric solutions are increasingly viewed as the future for short-distance operations, with expansion into wider applications anticipated in the coming years.
Achim Puchert, a member of the Daimler Truck Holding AG board responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and BharatBenz, stated the project represents “a piece of history for an emissions-free future.” The ‘Electrify Inbound Logistic’ initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability strategy.
European Union policy is also driving the shift towards electric vehicles. The EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) strategy focuses on electrifying major transportation routes across the continent. A 2022 report examining OEM plans indicated manufacturers are strategizing to meet the EU’s anticipated 2035 regulations regarding vehicle emissions.
The deployment of the eActros 600 fleet is intended to create a fully CO₂e-free local delivery system for the four Daimler Truck plants. The project’s success could pave the way for wider adoption of electric trucks in long-haul logistics, though the long-term impact on international routes remains to be seen.
