Sam Fender’s People Watching Tour of the UK and Ireland used transportation powered entirely by electric trucks.
Partnering with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and KB Event, the run of shows was supported by four eActros 600s – saving 840kg CO2eq over the 934 miles travelled (the equivalent of what 33.6 mature trees can absorb annually).
Each night, the trucks carried stage sets and equipment hundreds of miles between venues, charging on the road using the existing UK and Irish HGV infrastructure.
With a 500km+ range on a single charge and the ability to recharge from 20 to 80% in 25 minutes, Mercedes-Benz said the eActros 600 truck was able to deal with the demands of the tour.
Richard Burnett, MD of KB Event, said: “Transport is a key part of any live music tour, but we wanted to make the People Watching Tour as green and sustainable as possible.
“Until now, electric trucks weren’t seen as viable for big tours, but the eActros 600 has shown they can deliver the performance, the range, and the reliability. No one else can do this like Mercedes-Benz Trucks.”
Sam Fender added: “We’ve just finished our summer tour where we used Mercedes-Benz electric trucks operated by KB Event.
“Hopefully, this will help show what can be achieved on future tours and other artists will jump onboard too.
“Big thanks to everyone involved and to Massive Attack for pioneering the way with more sustainable touring.”
Drivers of the eActros 600 praised the truck’s refinement and overall usability.
Burnett added: “We only needed a maximum 90-minute stop to recharge, which slotted neatly into the schedule.
“It will be even easier when venues start adding their own charging hubs.”
Stuart Jeggo, sales and marketing director of Daimler Truck UK, said: “Concerts bring joy to millions, and now they can also help drive a more sustainable future.
“The eActros 600 shows that electrification works, even in one of the most demanding industries – live touring.
“A big thank you to our dealers for their support – especially Metrux Truck and Van, and also Ciceley Commercials – without whom this would not have been possible.”
