A MAN eTGX electric lorry has completed a 224-mile BMW factory run with just 75 kWh per 100 km — suggesting that, for once, range anxiety might not be warranted.
The vehicle was operated by German haulier Elflein as part of a live trial between BMW Group’s Leipzig and Regensburg plants, covering 360 km in real-world factory logistics conditions. The route, which is typically driven 25 times a day in each direction, is currently served using a mix of diesel and bio-LNG trucks. MAN estimates that switching the full 50 daily trips to electric vehicles could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by up to 3,000 tonnes.
Based on the reported energy use, a full round trip of 720 km (447 miles) would require roughly 540 kWh — close to the maximum battery capacity available in the eTGX’s six-pack configuration. While the test covered one leg of the journey, BMW’s head of production network and logistics, Michael Nikolaides, said a round trip of over 700 km is already “possible without any problems”.
The truck used in the trial is the ultra-low-liner variant of the MAN eTGX, which offers a semitrailer height of 950mm and an internal loading height of three metres — a configuration designed for automotive parts logistics. The vehicle features a short 3.75m wheelbase and modular battery setup with four, five or six battery packs. Motor output is either 449 or 544hp, and maximum range is up to 500km depending on specification.
The eTGX supports standard CCS charging at up to 375kW and is compatible with the upcoming MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard, enabling charging at up to 1MW. MAN is also supporting operators with its 360-degree eMobility Consulting service, which includes route analysis, charging infrastructure planning through partner firms, digital tools and financing options.
“Once again, the MAN eTGX proves its absolute practicality and suitability for long-distance transport in use with Elflein,” said Dennis Affeld, MD of MAN Truck & Bus Germany. “In BMW’s production logistics, the ultra-low liner variant was also able to demonstrate its unique selling point… with a very low power consumption of 75 kWh per 100 kilometres.”
“The range drive impressively demonstrated the performance that modern electric trucks already offer today and that range anxiety is unfounded,” added Rüdiger Elflein, Managing Partner at Elflein. “Our goal is to continuously expand the electrification of our fleet and provide our customers with sustainable transport solutions at the highest level.”
