First Belgian Fleet Deployment: VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered its first eActros 600 units to a Belgian customer. VM-Milktrans and its affiliate Sovedo Logistics are now operating two of six eActros 600 trucks. These Class 8 electric trucks are dedicated to long-haul milk collection logistics across Belgium.
Both companies operate under Michiel Verdonck and represent the first customer in Belgium to adopt the electric long-haul truck developed by Daimler Truck.
Key Deployment Details
- Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz eActros 600
- Range: Up to 500 km (310 miles) per charge without intermediate stops
- Daily Distance Potential: More than 1,000 km (620 miles) with mid-day charging
- Gross Train Weight: Up to 44 tons
- Charging: Two stations with four chargers each, powered by on-site solar energy
- Operational Start: July 2025
Designed for Long-Haul, Not Just Last-Mile
The eActros 600 is built to replace diesel-powered tractors in long-distance freight operations, not urban deliveries. With its 500 km range under optimal conditions and the ability to fast-charge during regulated driver rest periods, Daimler claims 1,000 km+ operational days are achievable.
This makes the eActros 600 competitive with diesel, assuming charging can be efficiently scheduled around existing rest mandates.
Range Assumptions
| Condition | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Operation (40 tons, 20°C) | 500 km (310 miles) |
| With Midday Charging | 1,000+ km/day |
Range was measured internally using a 4x2 semi-trailer with a gross train weight of 40 tons.
Charging Infrastructure: Solar + Storage = Energy Independence
The Belgian operation was not limited to trucks. VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics installed a fully integrated charging infrastructure with support from multiple Daimler Truck partners:
- Two charging hubs, four chargers each
- Solar power modules for daytime energy generation
- Battery storage system for 24/7 availability
- Smart load management using intelligent control systems
This means trucks charge entirely on-site using electricity that’s mostly self-generated.
Key Infrastructure Partners
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Van Mossel-Vereenooghe | Vehicle sales and delivery |
| Thoré | Charging infrastructure setup |
| Lanoye Technics | Solar power and battery integration |
| Daimler Truck BeLux | Vehicle and infrastructure consulting |
| Daimler Truck Financial Services Belgium | Financing and leasing structuring |
Financing Strategy: All-In-One Leasing Model
Electrification is capital-intensive. Daimler Truck Financial Services Belgium simplified the process with its eService Leasing model:
- Covers trucks, batteries, and charging stations
- Bundled into a single monthly invoice
- Reduces complexity for fleet managers
This turnkey financial structure is designed to lower barriers to electrification, making it easier for small- and medium-sized fleets to adopt zero-emission trucks.
Operational Model: Long-Distance Dairy Logistics
Unlike many early electric truck deployments focused on urban logistics or last-mile delivery, VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics are putting the eActros 600 to work in a high-mileage dairy transport operation. Daily routes often exceed 1,000 km, demanding both vehicle endurance and reliable charging access.
What Makes Dairy Logistics Ideal for Testing?
- High daily mileage, forcing rapid real-world data collection
- Regular return-to-base cycles, allowing depot-only charging
- Heavy loads, useful for stress-testing drivetrain and regen systems
How the eActros 600 Competes
The electric heavy-duty truck market is heating up. With entries from Volvo, Scania, MAN, and Tesla, OEMs are racing to scale Class 8 electric trucks that can match diesel’s range and payload.
The eActros 600 checks off key metrics:
| Feature | eActros 600 Specs |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery-electric |
| Gross Train Weight | Up to 44 tons |
| Daily Range Capability | Over 1,000 km |
| Depot Charging | Yes, powered by solar |
| On-Road Charging | Possible, not required |
Compared to competitors, the eActros 600’s key advantage is integration into a complete ecosystem, including charging, financing, and operational consulting.
TruckCharge: A Platform for Electrification
Daimler Truck’s TruckCharge brand provides:
- Charging infrastructure planning
- Operational consulting
- Integration with eService Leasing
- Services available across Europe
This makes TruckCharge a key component of Daimler’s transition strategy toward a zero-emissions commercial vehicle fleet.
Belgium: Strategic Market for eMobility Rollout
Belgium is increasingly important for heavy-duty electrification pilots:
- Dense logistics network
- Short cross-border transit distances
- Renewable energy growth (especially solar)
- Regulatory pressure on diesel emissions
VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics’ use of in-house solar eliminates fuel volatility and aligns with Belgium’s national emissions goals.
Real-World Stress Test for Daimler’s Long-Haul Strategy
This deployment is a litmus test for Daimler’s long-haul electrification ambitions. If VM-Milktrans can consistently operate trucks 1,000 km/day with depot charging only, the diesel-to-electric conversion case becomes stronger.
What Comes Next?
Four more trucks will join the VM-Milktrans fleet in coming weeks. Daimler is expected to monitor and document performance data as part of a broader validation campaign. Early feedback will likely inform:
- Battery performance benchmarking
- Charging efficiency data under high load
- Total cost of ownership modeling
Daimler will likely use these results to support a wider rollout across the EU in late 2025 and 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is now in use in Belgium for long-haul dairy logistics.
- Daily operation exceeds 1,000 km with scheduled breaks and depot charging.
- Entire fleet is powered by on-site solar and battery storage, making it a self-contained EV ecosystem.
- All-in-one leasing covers vehicle, battery, and charging, simplifying adoption for fleets.
- Daimler’s TruckCharge program supports large-scale fleet electrification across Europe.
This launch signals a serious step forward for heavy-duty electric freight in Europe. Now it’s up to the trucks—and their operators—to prove the concept at full operational scale.
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