This milestone order not only represents Amazon’s biggest commitment to electric heavy trucks but is also the largest order for electric trucks in the history of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The chosen model, the eActros 600, will join Amazon’s European fleet from 2025, significantly boosting the company’s sustainability drive.
Game-changer for Amazon’s logistics network
Amazon’s new fleet of eActros 600 trucks will operate in Germany and the UK, supporting the company’s vast transportation network. The vehicles are expected to transport more than 350 million packages annually, playing a key role in Amazon’s middle-mile logistics. Over the next 18 months, they will be deployed on high-mileage routes, carrying cargo containers between Amazon’s fulfilment centres, sort centres, and delivery stations.
Before placing this landmark order, Amazon conducted extensive testing on a prototype eActros 600 at one of its logistics centres in Germany. To ensure smooth operations, the company is also investing in infrastructure, installing fast-charging points at key UK sites, including 360kW chargers that can replenish the trucks’ batteries from 20 to 80% in just over an hour. With an impressive range of 500km per charge, these electric trucks are designed for long-haul efficiency.
Industry leaders applaud landmark deal
Mercedes-Benz executives have hailed the order as a major step forward in sustainable transport. Karin Rådström, Chairwoman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are very pleased that Amazon, a pioneer in the transformation towards alternative drives, has chosen the eActros 600, a game-changer for sustainable transportation.”
Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, added: “Amazon is an important customer for us on the path towards CO2-neutral transport. A near-series prototype of the eActros 600 has already been trialled by Amazon, providing valuable insights before the start of series production. We are therefore very pleased about this major order.”
Amazon is equally optimistic about the deal. Andreas Marschner, Vice President of Worldwide Operations Sustainability at Amazon, described the purchase as a critical step towards decarbonising the company’s transport operations.
“The order of more than 200 eActros 600 underlines our commitment to being a leader in electrifying our transportation network in Europe. It is the biggest electric heavy truck order by Amazon to date anywhere in the world and is an important step as we work to achieve our Climate Pledge commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040,” he noted.
eActros 600: Benchmark in electric trucking
The eActros 600 boasts cutting-edge technology and remarkable efficiency. Its high battery capacity of over 600kWh, from which it derives its name, is coupled with a newly developed electric drive axle, enabling a practical range of 500km without intermediate charging. The model is designed for real-world logistics, boasting a gross combination mass of 40 tonnes. In testing, it has already proven its ability to cover over 1,000 km per day with intermediate charging.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has put the eActros 600 through rigorous trials, including the "eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024," a 15,000km journey through 22 countries with a full 40-tonne load. Additionally, the vehicle was recently crowned International Truck of the Year 2025, further solidifying its position as a leader in electric trucking.
What does this mean for South Africa?
While the eActros 600 is making waves in Europe, its availability in South Africa remains uncertain. Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) introduced the eActros 300 and 400 in the country last year, marking a significant step towards electrification. However, long-haul electric trucks like the eActros 600 face multiple hurdles before they can be adopted locally.
Maretha Gerber, President & Group CEO of DTSA, outlines the challenges: “The eActros 600 is designed for long-haul applications. However, South African law imposes maximum axle mass limits that make battery-electric trucks less competitive against internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks. Until these regulations are updated, long-haul electric trucking remains impractical.” Beyond regulatory issues, a lack of infrastructure is currently another key barrier.
Despite these challenges, the future of electric trucking in South Africa is not entirely bleak. As soon as local legislation is adapted to compensate for the higher unladen mass of electric trucks, DTSA will consider the launch of the eActros 600 in South Africa – and maybe it will be snapped up by Amazon here too.
