From "Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion's Den) to the electric lion
You know him as "Elektrotrucker" on YouTube. But the likeable driver is actually called Tobias Wagner and was the founder of a start-up company just a year ago. The 31-year-old then decided to take an unusual step. He followed his passion and switched to the cab of an HGV. Now he has experienced the MAN eTGX at first hand. We get to look over his shoulder in a detailed video diary.
From an office to behind the wheel: Tobias loved his job as an entrepreneur in the electric mobility sector – among others he worked for Tesla before founding ChargeX with friends. His start-up even presented a newly developed multiple charging station in "Die Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion’s Den) TV entertainment show.
Despite this success, however, it lacked practical relevance. "I wanted to understand the problems faced by truck drivers and experience for myself what electric mobility means in everyday life," says Tobias. He obtained his CE driving licence and began working for East Frisian haulage company Nanno Janssen. The company already has over 20 electric trucks in its fleet. "Battery-powered HGVs are superior to diesel in terms of efficiency and operating costs," says Tobias.
Everyday life as an electric trucker
The statutory rest periods fit perfectly into Tobias' daily driving routine. After 4.5 hours of driving, he has to take a 45-minute break – exactly the time the truck needs to recharge. Using a map of charging stations that he created himself, Tobias has identified suitable stations throughout Germany that can also accommodate articulated trucks.
His tours take him as far as southern Spain and England. "Many people think that electric trucks are only suitable for short journeys," says Tobias. "We prove every day that long-distance transport is also feasible – provided you plan intelligently."
Test drive in the MAN eTruck
In April 2025, Tobias undertook a three-week tour of Europe in the MAN eTGX 18.449. The tour led from Dachau via Gothenburg to the Brenner Pass – in temperatures ranging from -5 to 25 degrees.
Behind the wheel of the MAN eTGX, Tobias was genuinely surprised by its fuel consumption of just 0.82 kWh/km: "A consumption miracle! I've never driven an HGV with such low fuel consumption."
The return journey through the Black Forest also included a mountain stage for the MAN eTGX. But consumption was just 1.15 kWh/km, despite gradients of up to 12% and a total weight of 22 tonnes. "That's 10–20% less than comparable models," says Tobias. "At 200,000 km/year, it adds up to massive savings."
What would Tobias wish for? More HGV-suitable parking spaces. But, as he emphasises, megawatt charging is only required for double shifts. Tobias takes us along for the ride on his Elektrotrucker channel – so hop on board with him!
Find out more in the video here.