HGVs: How Mercedes is Using EVs for Formula 1
In a first for Formula One in Europe, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team has begun transporting its race cars using fully electric trucks.
Mercedes is the first F1 team to use an electric HGV, aligning with its wider ambition to become the most sustainable professional sports team in the world.
Following an initial pilot during the 2025 British Grand Prix, the team now uses a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 to carry its W16 race cars from its base in Brackley to the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, a 673km route.
The eActros 600 is a battery-electric heavy goods vehicle powered by a 600kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, designed for long-haul transport with zero tailpipe emissions.
Battery-powered HGVs
The eActros 600 delivers up to 500km of range per charge and can recharge from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS).
The truck reduces lifecycle CO₂e emissions by up to 80% compared to diesel models.
Fewer charging stops and a fast top-up time make it suitable for performance-led operations like Formula One logistics, where downtime and delay are not an option.
“As a team, our commitment to sustainability means that we rethink how we move, not just how we race," says Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability for Mercedes F1.
"While we are driven by performance on track, we are incredibly proud that our innovations travel beyond the grid.
"The use of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600, initially piloted at our home race in July, is another important step in our decarbonisation journey.”
High-performance sectors like motorsport rely on tightly managed logistics schedules.
Mercedes F1’s decision to deploy a battery-electric HGV suggests growing confidence in electric range, reliability and compatibility with race-day demands.
From biofuels to electric logistics
The electric truck rollout follows a long period of emissions reduction initiatives from Mercedes F1.
In 2022, the team piloted HVO100, a renewable diesel made from waste fats and oils and achieved 98% biofuel coverage for race and marketing trucks during the 2024 European season.
This shift helped avoid more than 500 tonnes of CO₂e emissions.
Formula One as a whole has reduced its overall carbon footprint from 228,793 tonnes of CO₂e in 2018 to 168,720 tonnes in 2024.
However, with global logistics still making up a substantial portion of emissions, individual teams are now taking control of their Scope 3 emissions, indirect emissions across the value chain, including transport.
Mercedes says: "The roll out of HVO100 has been an important step in helping us decarbonise our logistics and the ability to phase in electric vehicles will further reduce our emissions and improve air quality.
"Our long-term ambition is to extend the use of the e-fleet across future European Seasons, demonstrating once again that F1 is the fastest test lab helping to catalyse change beyond our world."
EV partnerships
The transition also relies on partnerships with EV truck manufacturers.
Daimler Truck UK is working with the team to showcase how battery-electric logistics can support long-haul operations.
“We are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with battery electric trucks," says Ash Armstrong, eConsultancy Manager at Daimler Truck UK.
"Our partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is key in demonstrating that sustainable, long-haul distribution has arrived with our eActros 600.
"We could not be more thrilled that one of our eActros 600 trucks has been used to transport the team’s W16 cars from Brackley to Zandvoort.
"We are extremely proud to showcase the impressive range and capability of this truck. It just goes to show that the era of electrification is upon us and range anxiety is no longer an issue.”
