Of all the world records in the automotive world, there’s probably none more glamorous than that of the longest range for an electric commercial truck. The Swiss delivery firm DPD, together with vehicle manufacturer Futuricum and tire-maker Continental, recently claimed that coveted title, driving a Futuricum electric truck 1,099 kilometers on a single charge, within a 23-hour time period.

The project team recorded the historic feat in a three-part video series, which “documents the journey and implementation of the world record attempt with a dose of humor.”

DPD’s Futuricum 19-ton e-truck generates 680 PS (670 hp), and has a 680 kWh battery pack, which the company calls “the largest truck battery in Europe.” For the record attempt, the truck was fitted with Continental EfficientPro tires—low-rolling-resistance tires that were specially developed for long-distance transport. The record was set on Continental’s 2.8-km oval test track near Hanover.

Futuricum builds bespoke electric trucks from 18 to 44 tons in its Swiss plant, using chassis from the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX and Volvo FH series as well as the low-entry chassis based on the Mercedes Econic from Daimler Trucks. Futuricum’s trucks each feature four electric motors. They offer power ratings up to 680 hp and quoted ranges up to 760 km. The battery packs are made by the Swiss firm Batteriewerk.

“The drives on the Continental test track were more exciting than it might first appear,” said Rolf Neeracher, Linehaul Manager at DPD Switzerland, and one of the drivers on the project. “There was always something to do, be it recording data for evidence documentation or passing on intermediate results, such as tire pressure or the distance covered. At the end of the ride I was happy, but also just plain tired.”

Source: DPD