• Logistics provider Simon Loos deploys two battery-electric Mercedes-Benz tractor units for Lidl retail distribution.
• A total of 75 zero-emission eActros 600 trucks ordered by Simon Loos in the Netherlands.
• Long-standing partnership between Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Simon Loos.

Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Wognum (Netherlands) – Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered the first eActros 600 units in the Netherlands to logistics provider Simon Loos. Two battery-electric tractor units are now in operation for Lidl’s retail distribution. Simon Loos has ordered a total of 75 eActros 600 trucks for long-haul use, which will double its existing electric truck fleet. With the acquisition of these two units—recently named “International Truck of the Year 2025”— the company marks another milestone on its path toward zero-emission logistics.

Wim Roks, Fleet Manager at Simon Loos, stated:
“After months of intensive testing under various conditions, the two eActros 600 trucks have impressively proven their reliability. We are optimistic about their daily operations. While we previously planned trips of up to 300 kilometers with confidence, the eActros 600 now enables us to cover up to 500 kilometers per trip.”

Joint Practical Experience

Simon Loos and Mercedes-Benz Trucks have been working closely for years to test innovations in real-world conditions. Back in 2020, Simon Loos was the first transport company to deploy a battery-electric eActros 300. In summer 2024, it became the first company outside Germany to begin practical testing of the eActros 600. The professional drivers were specially trained by Mercedes-Benz Trucks for this purpose. The near-series prototype covered 25,000 kilometers within a few months between suppliers and distribution centers, demonstrating strengths in driving comfort, safety, energy consumption, and range. The tests provided valuable insights into vehicle operation and the required charging infrastructure.

About the eActros 600

Mercedes-Benz Trucks celebrated the series launch of the eActros 600 at the end of November last year at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. Deliveries to customers began in December 2024. The electric flagship from Mercedes-Benz Trucks has already proven its capabilities several times under real-life conditions: In customer use and as part of the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024”, a 15,000-kilometer all-electric development trip through a total of 22 countries and the “European Testing Tour Winter 2025” on around 6,500 kilometers through Northern Europe, each with a gross combination mass of 40 tons. In addition, the e-truck was voted “International Truck of the Year 2025”. The award is the most important prize in the industry and is presented annually by the International Truck of the Year (IToY) organization, consisting of 24 commercial vehicle journalists from Europe. 

The high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours - hence the model designation 600 – and a new, particularly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house enable the eActros 600 to achieve a range of 500 kilometers^[1] without intermediate charging. This range is accomplished under very realistic and practical conditions with a gross combination mass of 40 tons, which can also be significantly exceeded depending on the driving style and the route. The eActros 600 will even be able to cover well over 1,000 kilometers per day. Intermediate charging during statutory driver breaks makes this possible, provided that charging options are available.

The eActros 600 has three battery packs, each with 207 kWh^[2]. These offer an installed total capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) and are characterized by a long service life. The development engineers at Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 to meet the same requirements for the durability of vehicles and components as a comparable conventional heavy-duty long-haul Actros. This means up to 1.2 million kilometers in ten years of operation. After this period of use, the battery state of health should still be above 80 percent. In contrast to other battery cell technologies, more than 95 percent of the installed capacity can also be used with LFP technology. This facilitates a higher range with the same installed battery capacity. The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination mass of up to 44 tons. With a standard semitrailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tons in the EU. There might be cases in which national law allows higher payloads. 

About Simon Loos

Founded in 1938, Simon Loos has grown into one of the leading logistics providers in the Netherlands. With a fleet of 1,200 vehicles, 2,800 drivers, and over 60 locations, the family-owned company offers comprehensive services in retail distribution, beverage logistics, warehousing, co-packing, and logistics consulting. Innovation and continuous development are central to its operations—as is its 35-year partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

_{[1] The range was determined internally under specific test conditions, after preconditioning with a 4x2 tractor unit with a 40 tons total towing weight at 20°C outside temperature in long-haul operation and may deviate from the values determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2400. 
[2] Nominal capacity of a new battery, based on internally defined boundary conditions. This may vary depending on the application and ambient conditions.}