If you think you’ve seen some wild RVs, wait until you hear about this one. Tobias Wagner, a professional truck driver and content creator who goes by Elektrotrucker online, is getting ready to embark on a journey around the world in a specially modified Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. This electric truck features a full Bliss Mobil living module behind the cab, transforming it into a home on wheels. Interestingly, Wagner plans to complete the trip using only battery power.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced that this ambitious route will span around 28,000 miles across more than 30 countries over approximately a year, aiming for no more than 80 charging stops. This journey is set to be the first known global circumnavigation in a fully battery-electric truck. What really stood out to me is how far Wagner hopes to travel between those charging stops. Let’s dive into how this impressive electric motorhome operates and why hitting a range target of 621 miles could present a significant challenge.
This electric Mercedes motorhome started as a long-haul truck
At its core is the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a battery-electric truck designed for long-distance freight. It’s equipped with three lithium iron phosphate battery packs that provide a total capacity of 621 kWh. Typically, this truck is expected to cover about 310 miles under ideal conditions with a full load.
However, Wagner’s setup has a different objective. Instead of hauling a loaded trailer, it carries a custom living module. Modifications have also been made to reduce weight and rolling resistance, such as using single rear tires and expedition-ready gear.
The completed vehicle weighs in at around 34,170 pounds. Its electric axle and four-speed transmission generate roughly 536 horsepower continuously, peaking around 805 horsepower. That’s quite a bit of power to carry a kitchen and a bed, right?
Could it really travel 621 miles on one charge?
This is where it becomes especially intriguing. Wagner and Mercedes believe the lightweight expedition configuration, paired with conscious driving techniques, might allow for travel up to 621 miles on a single charge. This is nearly double the standard range for a loaded eActros 600. Of course, how far it actually gets will depend on various factors like road conditions and terrain.
Why the 621-mile target could become important
Wagner is aiming to complete about 28,000 miles with no more than 80 charging breaks, translating to about 350 miles on average per stop, although that could vary a lot. The journey will take him through regions where reliable high-powered charging options are scarce, including areas in Central and East Asia, Australia, the U.S., and parts of Latin America. This makes the ability to go beyond the usual freight range quite advantageous.
Charging a 621-kWh battery takes serious power
Even this large battery will need to recharge eventually. The eActros 600 supports CCS2 fast charging of up to 400 kW, which can raise the battery level from 10% to 80% in about 70 minutes under ideal circumstances. Mercedes has also ventured into megawatt charging, capable of reaching up to 1,000 kW that could drastically reduce charging times.
Wagner’s setup is equipped to handle various global charging systems, featuring connections on both sides of the truck for flexibility. He’s also included adapters for charging infrastructures in China and North America. This adaptability might prove crucial once he leaves Europe. Additionally, he has an Alpitronic DC charging station on board, allowing for charging from AC sources up to 43 kW when heavy-duty chargers are unavailable.
The back of the truck is a fully electric home
Bliss Mobil outfitted a roughly 13-foot expedition module behind the cab, offering a U-shaped dining area, a kitchen, and a bathroom toward the back. There’s even a drop-down bed that can be stowed above the dining area during the day. This camper can accommodate up to four people, although Wagner will primarily share it with his dog, Krümelix.
Sticking with the electric theme, the living module has its own 400-Ah lithium battery supplemented by 1,000 watts of solar power, powering amenities like an induction cooktop and refrigerator without needing diesel or propane. It also contains about 106 gallons of fresh water, with a filtration system for extended trips away from campsites.
The camper can operate separately from the truck
The expedition module functions mostly as a self-contained unit; its electrical and plumbing systems do not rely on the truck itself. This design allows Bliss Mobil to fit these modules on compatible truck chassis. It does have a 24-volt connection to the eActros, enabling energy draw from the truck’s battery, but conserving that energy is crucial. Every bit of internal power used could have otherwise propelled the hefty vehicle further.
There’s an electric motorcycle riding on the back
A large expedition truck can navigate plenty of roads, but size can be an issue. Wagner has a clever solution: a Honda WN7 electric motorcycle attached to a carrier at the back. When the roads get too narrow, he can leave the motorhome and continue on two wheels. The motorcycle boasts a 9.3-kWh battery and about 67 horsepower, serving as a handy backup for this journey into less conventional territories.
Nearly $800,000 buys one very unusual motorhome
This project isn’t exactly a budget-friendly endeavor. A price breakdown for the eActros 600, the Bliss Mobil camper, and additional gear totals approximately $796,600, coming close to $800,000—excluding the electric motorcycle.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a standard RV you could order at a local dealership. Wagner’s vehicle is a custom-built expedition unit centered around a commercial electric truck. Other companies have also been reimagining how electric vehicles might cater to camping enthusiasts.
The around-the-world trip starts Sept. 20
According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Wagner is set to begin his journey from IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, on September 20. He’s expected to traverse around 30 countries on five continents over the course of about a year, assessing battery-electric truck technology in real-world scenarios beyond typical European routes. The itinerary may adjust as the journey unfolds.
What this means to you
While you likely won’t be putting an $800,000 electric expedition truck in your driveway, this trip might answer questions that could eventually impact more everyday electric vehicles. Range is just one piece of the EV puzzle; reliable charging access becomes critical in areas with limited infrastructure. Wagner will be exploring that aspect as well. If the eActros can persistently travel beyond its standard range, it could provide insights into how vehicle weight and driving practices influence battery performance.
Charging logistics could also be enlightening. Carrying a hefty battery doesn’t guarantee easy long-distance travel; finding powerful enough charging stations remains essential. Although Wagner’s onboard equipment offers him alternative options when traditional chargers are unavailable, slower recharging could prolong the journey.
In light of other approaches to the charging challenge—one notably experimenting with technology to transfer power while driving—Wagner’s trip takes a contrasting route by evaluating how far today’s infrastructure can accommodate large battery vehicles.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This isn’t just a road trip; it’s an adventure that elevates the concept of travel. What piques my interest is not merely whether Wagner can extract 621 miles from this expansive battery, but what occurs when he navigates away from straightforward charging routes into challenging territories. This could highlight the real-world limitations of electric vehicle technology. If he successfully completes the journey with around 80 charging stops, it would genuinely illustrate how much progress electric trucks have made. Conversely, if he encounters issues in finding power, that would provide valuable lessons as well.
