Electric Truck Driver’s Norway Mission Highlights E‑Truck Viability

Tobias Wagner, an electric truck driver, embarks on a unique four-day journey from Leer, East Frisia, to Norway and back. His mission: to retrieve a navigation buoy that drifted from Germany to Norway and deliver steel beams along the way. This adventure highlights the evolving landscape of electric mobility in the trucking industry, a field Tobias is deeply passionate about.

The Electric Trucker's Lifestyle

Tobias, accompanied by his co-pilot dog Krümelix, embraces the life of an electric truck driver. He prepares for his trips by stocking up on groceries, as rest stops often lack vegan options suitable for his diet. Krümelix, a 13-year-old rescue dog, has traveled with Tobias to 22 countries, providing companionship on long hauls.

Tobias's journey into electric trucking was a deliberate career change. After studying business administration and mobility management and even starting his own charging infrastructure company, he felt a desire for something new. His childhood dream of being a trucker, combined with the emergence of e-trucks, led him to switch careers. He found a trucking company in East Frisia that shared his commitment to e-mobility.

Navigating with an E-Truck

Tobias's truck, an eActros, boasts over 800 horsepower and a range of at least 500 kilometers when loaded. He meticulously plans his routes, considering charging stops and delivery schedules. For instance, on his way to deliver steel beams, he plans to fully charge his battery overnight to ensure a smooth start the next day.

He acknowledges that misconceptions about e-truck range persist, but emphasizes that the technology has advanced significantly in the last two to three years, with current models offering nearly double the range. To address these misconceptions and share his experiences, Tobias runs a YouTube channel called "Elektro-Trucker," where he documents his trips, energy consumption, and costs. His channel has over 100,000 followers, attracting a diverse audience interested in technology, scenery, daily trucking life, and even Krümelix.

Challenges and Solutions on the Road

Traffic jams are an inevitable part of a truck driver's life. Tobias maintains a calm demeanor, using these delays to consider alternative plans, especially if battery levels are low. He prioritizes safety and avoids aggressive driving, valuing his "nerves" over saving a few minutes.

Charging infrastructure is a critical aspect of e-trucking. Tobias demonstrates the process of logging in and selecting charging plugs, noting that his truck can charge from both sides, offering flexibility. He uses his charging stops to walk Krümelix, providing a break for both of them and an opportunity to interact with other drivers.

The Business of Electric Trucking

The trucking company in Leer, where Tobias works, began its transition to electric mobility in 2021, becoming one of the first in Germany to do so. Nearly 70% of their fleet is now electric, with some electricity generated in-house. The company, led by Nanno Jansen Jr. and Sr., received a Climate Innovation Award in 2025 for their commitment.

While e-trucks are two to three times more expensive than diesel trucks, the current oil crisis has made electricity a more cost-effective fuel. This has accelerated the payback period for e-trucks from an estimated six years to just three years. Additionally, zero-emission e-trucks are exempt from road tolls in Germany, providing a significant financial advantage.

The Buoy Retrieval Mission

After delivering the steel beams, Tobias heads towards Denmark to catch a ferry to Norway. He meticulously plans his breaks to comply with regulations and ensure he reaches his destination on time.

In Norway, Tobias faces the challenge of locating and loading the "Juister Riff" navigation buoy. Despite initial confusion about the harbor's appearance, he quickly finds the buoy, which is already on a wheel loader. The buoy, an eight-meter-long, 10-ton object, requires careful positioning and securing to ensure it doesn't exceed height limits or shift during transport. The loading process, though challenging due to the buoy's shape and the wheel loader's limitations, is completed in under two hours.

Return to Germany and the Buoy Yard

The return trip to Germany is smooth. Tobias delivers the runaway buoy to the buoy yard of the Waterways and Shipping Authority in Emden. This facility maintains, cleans, and repairs floating navigation aids. The team at Emden explains that buoys often go missing during storms, and retrieving and repairing them is more cost-effective than deploying new ones. The "Juister Riff" buoy, after its "excursion," will undergo a full check-up before being returned to its original location.

The Future of Electric Trucking

Tobias's work is done, and he reflects on the successful trip. He emphasizes the importance of planning and careful execution in electric trucking. He also highlights the demanding nature of the job, acknowledging the long hours, responsibility, and relatively low pay. He believes that a passion for the work is essential to thrive in the industry.

Looking ahead, Tobias plans to embark on a round-the-world trip in an e-truck in the fall of 2026, documenting it on his YouTube channel with the tagline "Around the World in 80 Charging Stops." This ambitious project underscores his dedication to promoting and exploring the capabilities of electric mobility in the trucking sector. By the end of 2025, battery-electric trucks are projected to constitute just under three percent of all trucks in Germany, but new registrations are growing, with a nearly 40 percent year-over-year increase in 2025.