When Marco Hellgrewe engages the gear, the transmission shows: Reverse. What follows is more than a driving maneuver – it's a mission. The 50-year-old Bundeswehr officer and truck enthusiast pilots the all-electric eActros 600 backwards for almost six and a half hours over the challenging course of the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. Result: 124.7 kilometers, a world record – officially confirmed by “GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.” This beats a diesel record from the USA in 2020 by a full 36 kilometers.
Curve by Curve into the History Books
14 tight curves, 476
directional changes, zero errors: The arena, usually home to GT races, becomes the stage for a spectacular E-maneuver. And the star? A production model with standard equipment: the eActros 600. Its MirrorCam helps maintain an overview. And Hellgrewe? Stays focused. Concentrated. Tireless.
And Then It's Onto the Road
After the record, the next challenge awaits: about 30 kilometers of reverse driving on public roads – the destination is the new Daimler Truck Global Parts Center in Halberstadt. Accompanied by the police, supported by drivers, fans, and experts, Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims
to showcase not just technology but also place topics: E-Mobility. Traffic safety. Appreciation for the driving profession.
"I am proud that we secured the record with an all-electric drive," says Hellgrewe – and he means more than just numbers.
It’s about attitude. About serving as a role model. About motivating driving students and professionals to embrace new technology.
Power from the Battery
The eActros 600 brings 621 kWh from three LFP battery packs. Its range: up to 500 kilometers without intermediate charging – and with breaks, even over 1,000 kilometers
per day. Developed for a working life of 1.2 million kilometers. Technically equipped for up to 44 tons of total towing weight. A heavyweight with a future.
More Than Show – A Message
Onboard: the organizations PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. and Blicki e.V. Together they aim to raise awareness – for drivers, for children in traffic, for societal change.
This record was not an end in itself. It was a statement – against stagnation, for innovation. And when a 40-ton truck conquers the future in reverse, it’s clear: the
