Simon Loos Accelerates Transition to Electric Logistics with Delivery of First Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Trucks
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered the first units of its groundbreaking eActros 600 to leading Dutch logistics provider Simon Loos, marking a pivotal step forward in the company’s journey toward a fully electric long-haul transport fleet. The two newly delivered electric trucks are now actively deployed in retail distribution for supermarket giant Lidl, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainable and emission-free transportation.
The delivery represents the beginning of a much larger transformation. Simon Loos has placed a substantial order for 75 eActros 600 vehicles, effectively doubling the size of its existing electric fleet. The milestone underlines the company’s ambition to lead the logistics industry in decarbonizing long-haul operations and to be at the forefront of climate-conscious innovation.
A Milestone in the Path Toward Zero-Emission Logistics
The delivery of the first two eActros 600 units is more than just a fleet expansion—it is a bold commitment to a cleaner future. With road freight emissions increasingly under scrutiny and global regulatory pressure mounting, logistics companies are under significant pressure to reduce their carbon footprints. Simon Loos has responded proactively, positioning itself as an early mover in the electrification of heavy-duty trucking.
“This moment marks a significant step in our sustainability roadmap,” said Wim Roks, Fleet Manager at Simon Loos. “After months of rigorous testing under diverse and challenging conditions, the eActros 600 has proven to be not only reliable but also incredibly efficient in long-distance operations. Previously, we planned daily routes of up to 300 kilometers for our electric trucks. Now, with the eActros 600, we’re comfortably covering distances up to 500 kilometers per trip.”
A History of Innovation and Collaboration
The delivery of the eActros 600 is not the beginning of Simon Loos’s relationship with Mercedes-Benz Trucks—it’s the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership built on shared values of innovation and sustainability. The two companies have worked hand-in-hand to trial electric vehicle technologies in practical, real-world environments.
In fact, Simon Loos was the first transport company in the Netherlands to put the earlier eActros 300 into commercial service back in 2020. Their collaboration continued into 2024, when Simon Loos became the first logistics provider outside of Germany to conduct operational testing of the eActros 600 prototype. As part of the testing phase, the vehicle was driven extensively—accumulating over 25,000 kilometers on routes between suppliers and distribution centers.
During this pilot period, specially trained professional drivers operated the eActros 600 under realistic conditions, assessing its performance across multiple parameters including range, energy efficiency, safety features, and driver comfort. The resulting data proved invaluable in helping both companies optimize the electric truck’s design and infrastructure requirements before full-scale deployment.
eActros 600: A Technological Game Changer
Officially unveiled in November 2024 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, the eActros 600 represents a leap forward in long-haul electric truck design. Deliveries began just one month later, and the model has quickly drawn international acclaim. Most notably, it earned the title of “International Truck of the Year 2025”—the highest recognition in the commercial vehicle industry, awarded by a panel of 24 European trucking journalists from the International Truck of the Year (IToY) organization.
This prestigious award is well deserved. The eActros 600 delivers exceptional range, durability, and energy efficiency thanks to its advanced engineering. The truck is powered by three battery packs, each rated at 207 kilowatt-hours (kWh), bringing its total installed capacity to 621 kWh. The batteries utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for its long lifespan and thermal stability.
What sets the eActros 600 apart is its ability to cover up to 500 kilometers on a single charge with a fully loaded gross combination mass of 40 tons. Mercedes-Benz Trucks notes that the real-world range could often surpass this figure depending on driving conditions and terrain. With fast-charging infrastructure, the eActros 600 can be charged during mandatory driver rest breaks, potentially allowing daily driving distances to exceed 1,000 kilometers.
The eActros 600 is built to last. Its powertrain and components are designed to meet the same durability benchmarks as conventional diesel-powered long-haul trucks—up to 1.2 million kilometers or ten years of use. Even after a decade, the battery’s state of health is expected to remain above 80%, making it a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional trucks.
The truck also boasts a standard EU payload of approximately 22 tons when equipped with a semitrailer. Some markets may allow higher payloads depending on national regulations. The eActros 600’s modular design and technical specifications reflect a deep understanding of the operational realities in commercial transport.
European Testing and Real-World Proof
Prior to its series launch, the eActros 600 underwent extensive field testing across Europe. It successfully completed the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024,” a grueling 15,000-kilometer journey through 22 countries, as well as the “European Testing Tour Winter 2025,” which covered 6,500 kilometers through cold Northern European terrain. In each case, the truck performed admirably with a full 40-ton load, further validating its readiness for widespread commercial adoption.
Feedback from these testing programs influenced fine-tuning of vehicle performance and enhancements in energy recovery systems, regenerative braking, and digital driver assistance technologies.
Sustainability in Action: Simon Loos and Lidl
Simon Loos’s decision to deploy the eActros 600 in partnership with Lidl is a strategic move aligned with both companies’ sustainability goals. Lidl, one of Europe’s largest supermarket chains, has set ambitious targets for reducing its environmental impact. The retailer’s supply chain emissions are a key area of focus, and electrifying transport routes is a central strategy.
With the eActros 600 now in service for Lidl’s retail distribution network, the companies are making a visible statement about the future of logistics. Zero-emission deliveries mean cleaner air for local communities and a tangible reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Simon Loos and Lidl are also jointly investing in the required charging infrastructure, helping ensure the reliability and scalability of electric logistics operations. The project serves as a model for how logistics providers, retailers, and technology manufacturers can collaborate to meet shared climate goals.
Scaling Up Electric Operations
With 75 eActros 600 trucks on order, Simon Loos is significantly scaling up its electric vehicle operations. The company already has experience operating a fleet of over 1,200 vehicles, but the transition to electric mobility requires more than just acquiring new trucks. It involves driver training, route optimization, energy management, and investment in depot charging solutions.
The company is also exploring renewable energy options to power its growing electric fleet, further enhancing its environmental credentials. Simon Loos has consistently been a frontrunner in adopting sustainable logistics practices—from aerodynamic trailers and efficient warehousing to alternative fuels—and the eActros 600 fleet expansion is the next natural evolution of that commitment.
About Simon Loos
Founded in 1938, Simon Loos has evolved into one of the most respected and forward-thinking logistics providers in the Netherlands. Headquartered in the city of Wognum, the company employs over 2,800 people and operates from more than 60 strategic locations. Its comprehensive service portfolio includes retail and beverage distribution, warehousing, co-packing, and logistics consultancy.
A family-owned business with deep roots in Dutch logistics, Simon Loos has remained agile through generations by embracing change and innovation. The company’s 35-year partnership with Mercedes-Benz underscores its belief in long-term collaboration and continuous technological advancement.
The delivery of the first eActros 00 trucks to Simon Loos is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a concrete move toward decarbonizing long-haul freight transport. With cutting-edge electric truck technology, strong retail partnerships, and a clear roadmap for expansion, Simon Loos is leading the way into a new era of sustainable logistics in Europe.
By embracing the future today, Simon Loos and its partners are proving that high-performance, zero-emission transport is no longer a vision—it’s now a reality on the roads of the Netherlands.
