Mercedes-Benz Trucks is about to pull off a wild one in a bid to break the Guinness World Record — and it’s all happening in reverse.
The new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, their flagship electric long-haul truck, is set to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the longest distance driven in reverse in an articulated truck.
Record-breaking with an electric twist
The current record, set in the USA in 2020 using a diesel truck, stands at around 89 kilometres.
But Mercedes-Benz isn’t just trying to beat it — they want to smash it by reversing over 100 kilometres in one go.
The attempt will happen on 4 June 2025 at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
At the wheel? None other than Marco Hellgrewe, a 50-year-old truck-mad German Armed Forces officer who actually set the original record back in 2008 (64 km).
“It’s an honour to attempt this record again – this time with an electric truck that shows how far tech has come. Reversing for hours isn’t easy, but the eActros 600 makes it smooth and quiet. I’m pumped.”
Marco Hellgrewe
Now, he’s coming back strong with the fully electric eActros 600, aiming to take the title back to Germany — and this time, emission-free.
Read | Daimler Unleashes Self-Driving Truck for Testing in the USA
Why the eActros 600 is perfect for this challenge
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 isn’t just another electric truck — it’s the beast of e-mobility. Here’s what makes it special:
- 621 kWh battery capacity (3 packs of 207 kWh)
- Over 500 km range on a full charge
- Up to 44-ton GCM
- Up to 1,000 km/day with proper charge planning
- Named International Truck of the Year 2025
“This record attempt reflects the spirit of innovation. It shows how e-trucks like the eActros 600 are ready for the big leagues – and the reverse lanes.”
Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Mercedes-Benz Trucks
This rig isn’t playing. It’s proving electric trucks can go the distance — even backwards!
From the racetrack to the road
The first leg of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD attempt will be on a closed racetrack, where Hellgrewe will reverse for over 100 km.
After a rest break, he’ll hit public roads for another 30 km in reverse, with a full police escort, ending at the Daimler Truck Global Parts Center in Halberstadt, which opens officially in July 2025.
More than a stunt – it’s about safety, respect & the future
This whole campaign isn’t just about a world record.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is teaming up with Blicki e.V. and PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. to raise awareness around:
- Electric mobility in long-distance trucking
- Road safety education for kids
- Appreciation for professional truck drivers
The eActros 600 and its trailer will proudly carry the logos of these groups.
Mercedes-Benz is also chipping in financial support to help educate children about truck blind spots and road dangers.
eActros 600 GUINNESS WORLD RECORD attempt – Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Truck Model | Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 |
| Attempted Record | Longest distance driving in reverse (articulated truck) |
| Current Record | ~89 km (diesel, USA, 2020) |
| Target Distance | 100+ km (plus 30 km on public road) |
| Record Date | 4 June 2025 |
| Location | Oschersleben to Halberstadt, Germany |
| Driver | Marco Hellgrewe (former record holder) |
| Truck Range | 500 km+ without charge |
| Battery Capacity | 621 kWh (3x 207 kWh packs) |
| Award | International Truck of the Year 2025 |
If this record falls, it won’t just be a win for Mercedes-Benz — it’ll be a massive e-boost for electric trucks globally.
And if you’re a driver, it’s proof the future of trucking is already here… and it’s reversing into the spotlight. Source
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.
