Mercedes-Benz Trucks has set a Guinness World Records title with its eActros 600, completing 124.7 kilometers (approx. 75 miles) in reverse while hauling a semitrailer. This feat, achieved at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, outpaces the previous diesel truck record of 89 kilometers (approx. 55 miles), set in the U.S. in 2020.
The electric long-haul truck maintained an average speed of 20 km/h (approx. 12 MPH) during the 6-hour, 22-minute run, navigating 14 tight racetrack bends. The location was selected for its controlled environment, minimizing external risks that might interrupt the continuous reverse drive.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks and driver Marco Hellgrewe will extend the journey by another 30 kilometers (approx. 20 miles) to the Daimler Truck Global Parts Center in Halberstadt. The route, escorted by police, symbolized the practical capabilities of the eActros 600.
Marco Hellgrewe Returns to Break His Own Reverse Record
Marco Hellgrewe drove the eActros 600 for the entire record attempt. He first set a personal reverse-driving record of 64 kilometers (approx. 40 miles) in 2008 and returned to make history with the all-electric model.
“I’m incredibly proud to have brought back the record to Germany together with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Especially as it was a world first with an all-electric drive. By doing so, we have sent out a powerful message for the future of alternative drives,” Marco Hellgrewe, initiator of the electric record attempt and driver of the eActros 600. “I am convinced that we have also drawn broad attention to the topics of road safety and driver image. They are particularly important to me as an examiner of learner truck drivers, who tend to be younger. There have been many people from every area of society who gave me very positive feedback.”
Mercedes eActros 600 Features
The eActros 600 used for the attempt featured Mercedes-Benz’s latest assistance systems. That includes the MirrorCam mirror camera system, which aided Hellgrewe in safely navigating the demanding track’s 476 bends. The vehicle’s advanced drivetrain and technology supported consistent reversing performance under challenging conditions.
Partners PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. and Blicki e.V. supported the reverse record. Both of which aim to raise awareness about the essential roles of truck drivers and road safety education.
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