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Amazon puts 50 Mercedes-Benz eActros electric semi trucks to work in Germany
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Amazon has officially deployed 50 Mercedes-Benz eActros electric semi trucks in Germany, marking a significant step in its global push to decarbonize its transportation network. The first 26 vehicles from this batch are already operating on roads, with the remaining units expected to be in service before the end of 2026. This deployment is part of Amazon's largest-ever order of more than 200 eActros 600 trucks, signaling a major commitment to sustainable logistics in Europe.
The eActros 600, equipped with a 621 kWh battery pack, is designed for middle-mile routes, transporting goods between fulfillment centers and urban areas. With a range of approximately 500 kilometers (about 310 miles), the trucks are optimized for efficiency, delivering 1.61 kWh per mile at an average combined vehicle weight of 36 metric tons (around 79,400 pounds). These specifications rival the theoretical efficiency claims of the Tesla Semi, but with real-world performance that Amazon believes is more reliable, especially in challenging winter conditions.
Andreas Marschner, Vice President of Sustainable Operations at Amazon, called the handover a "milestone" for the electrification of the company's transportation network. He noted that while electric solutions have been widely used in last-mile delivery, the new high-performance trucks allow Amazon to make longer transport routes more sustainable. Stina Fagerman, President of Mercedes-Benz Trucks' Customer Region Europe, echoed this sentiment, stating that Amazon's trust underscores confidence in the technology and shows that heavy-duty transport electrification is becoming a reality.
To support the integration of these electric trucks, Amazon is installing hundreds of DC fast chargers across the region, capable of charging the batteries from 20% to 80% in just over one hour. This infrastructure is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring the trucks can meet the demands of daily logistics. The company is investing over 1 billion euros in the electrification of its European transportation network, with more than 400 million euros dedicated to operations in Germany.
According to an analysis by Frontier Economics, these investments have supported over 35,000 jobs and contributed up to 3 billion euros to Germany's economy. This economic impact highlights the broader benefits of Amazon's green initiatives beyond environmental sustainability. The deployment also positions Amazon as a leader in adopting heavy-duty electric vehicles, potentially influencing other logistics companies to follow suit.
Looking ahead, Amazon plans to expand its electric fleet further, with the remaining 150 eActros 600 trucks expected to be deployed in the coming years. The company's partnership with Mercedes-Benz Trucks is seen as a model for accelerating the transformation of the transport industry. As charging infrastructure continues to grow and battery technology improves, the feasibility of electric long-haul trucking will only increase, paving the way for a more sustainable future in freight transportation.
