Belgium’s First eActros 600 Delivery Marks New Era for Electric Long-Haul Transport in Dairy Logistics
In a groundbreaking development for Belgium’s logistics and sustainability landscape, VM-Milktrans and its affiliated company Sovedo Logistics have officially become the first Belgian transport operators to integrate the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 into their commercial fleet. These two forward-thinking companies, known for their specialization in milk collection logistics, have taken delivery of the first two units out of a total of six eActros 600 trucks ordered, positioning themselves as early adopters of zero-emission, heavy-duty freight solutions.
Led by managing director Michiel Verdonck, VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics are setting a significant precedent in the country’s transition toward environmentally responsible transportation. Their pioneering move sends a clear message to the logistics sector: electric mobility in long-haul trucking is no longer a vision of the future—it is a practical, scalable solution ready for deployment today.
The eActros 600: A Technological Leap for Long-Haul Electric Transport
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, unveiled in late 2023 and built for demanding long-distance operations, represents the flagship in the Mercedes-Benz Trucks electric lineup. With a range of up to 500 kilometers on a single charge under real-world conditions—without requiring intermediate recharging—it has been engineered with high performance and operational efficiency in mind.
Even more impressively, by utilizing charging breaks during mandatory driver rest periods, logistics operators like VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics can feasibly cover over 1,000 kilometers per day. This feature is a critical step in addressing one of the key limitations that historically hindered the adoption of battery-electric trucks: driving range and charging downtime.
With a gross train weight (GTW) of up to 44 tons, the eActros 600 is well-suited for heavy-duty freight applications such as dairy collection, which involves both high mileage and the need for reliable, temperature-controlled transportation. The truck’s electric axle and energy-dense lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology provide not only robust range but also exceptional durability, with expected battery longevity exceeding 1.2 million kilometers over a ten-year lifespan.
Charging Infrastructure: A Fully Integrated, Renewable Solution
What makes the deployment of the eActros 600 even more remarkable in this case is the accompanying rollout of a comprehensive and renewable-powered charging infrastructure. Both VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics have invested in the development of an on-site charging system, designed to deliver round-the-clock operational readiness while minimizing environmental impact.
Charging for the fleet takes place entirely on the companies’ premises, powered in large part by solar panels installed on-site. The locally generated renewable energy is stored in a sophisticated battery energy storage system, ensuring that the electric trucks can be charged at any time—day or night. Two separate charging stations have been constructed, each equipped with four intelligent chargers, capable of managing power distribution efficiently depending on vehicle demand and energy availability.
This closed-loop, renewable-powered ecosystem not only reduces dependence on the public grid but also aligns with long-term sustainability objectives, significantly lowering the fleet’s carbon footprint over its operating life. The system represents a model for how electrified fleets can pair advanced vehicles with self-sufficient infrastructure to achieve true zero-emission freight logistics.
A Collaborative Effort: Public-Private Partnerships at Work
The successful deployment of this eMobility initiative is the result of a collaborative effort involving several key partners across the Daimler Truck ecosystem. The project brought together:
- Daimler Truck BeLux, responsible for coordinating the vehicle delivery and overall strategic guidance.
- Van Mossel-Vereenooghe, the local dealership managing the delivery logistics and customer support.
- Thoré, which took the lead in integrating the charging technology into the existing facility.
- Lanoye Technics, which handled the design and implementation of the on-site solar power generation infrastructure.
Together, these stakeholders worked hand-in-hand to ensure a seamless transition from fossil-fuel vehicles to electric trucks, handling everything from fleet consulting and technical integration to energy system setup and regulatory compliance. This level of collaboration demonstrates the importance of ecosystem partnerships when rolling out advanced eMobility solutions.
Moreover, Daimler Truck’s TruckCharge service platform played a key role in supporting the project. The platform goes beyond vehicle delivery by offering comprehensive consultation services, charging infrastructure planning, and operational guidance for electric truck deployments. TruckCharge is part of Daimler Truck’s broader commitment to supporting customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their electrification journey—not just the purchase.
Financing Electrification: Daimler Truck Financial Services Delivers All-in-One Solution
An essential component of this transition was the financial enablement provided by Daimler Truck Financial Services Belgium, which made it possible to fund both the acquisition of the vehicles and the entire infrastructure investment in a bundled, flexible package.
Through a customized eService Leasing plan, VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics secured a leasing agreement that covers the eActros 600 trucks, their batteries, and the full charging infrastructure, including installation and long-term service. This holistic approach simplifies what can otherwise be a fragmented and complex process for fleet operators moving toward electrification.
One of the main advantages of this integrated financing model is the single monthly invoice structure. Instead of managing multiple suppliers and service contracts, the logistics companies receive one consolidated invoice that includes all electric truck-related services. This streamlines budgeting, reduces administrative burden, and enhances financial clarity as operators transition from diesel-powered fleets to electric mobility.
About Daimler Truck Financial Services: Supporting the eMobility Transition Globally
Daimler Truck Financial Services, established in December 2021 as an independent division within the Daimler Truck Group, is one of the largest financial services providers in the commercial vehicle segment. Operating in 18 countries, with approximately 1,900 employees, the company delivers leasing, financing, rental, and insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of commercial fleets.
The company’s growing global footprint is aligned with Daimler Truck’s broader electrification goals. In addition to offering traditional financing products, Daimler Truck Financial Services is increasingly focused on providing end-to-end support for eMobility rollouts, ensuring that customers can make the transition to electric vehicles without facing insurmountable financial or operational barriers.
A Milestone for Belgian Freight Transport—and a Glimpse into the Future
With the delivery of the first two Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 units to VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics, Belgium has reached a significant milestone on its journey toward sustainable, zero-emission freight transport. The project exemplifies how companies can go beyond simply purchasing electric vehicles to implement a comprehensive, vertically integrated eMobility strategy, from vehicle acquisition and infrastructure deployment to financial services and renewable energy use.
For Belgium’s logistics sector, this marks not only the introduction of a new vehicle but the beginning of a paradigm shift—one that brings together cutting-edge technology, clean energy, and strategic collaboration to reimagine what heavy-duty transport can look like in a decarbonized future.
As more countries and companies follow suit, VM-Milktrans and Sovedo Logistics have positioned themselves as trailblazers in sustainable logistics, proving that the transition to electric long-haul transport is not only possible—but already underway.
