Sam Fender’s Eco-Friendly Tour: Powered by Electric Trucks

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability in the music industry, Sam Fender’s recent People Watching Tour has set a new precedent by being one of the first major live music events entirely powered by electric trucks. This innovative initiative not only showcases the potential of electric vehicles in touring but also highlights the concert industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

In partnership with renowned automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Trucks and logistics experts KB Event, the tour successfully utilised four state-of-the-art eActros 600 electric trucks. These vehicles made a significant impact by saving approximately 840kg CO2eq over a remarkable journey of 934 miles across various locations including England, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

Each night, these electric trucks were responsible for transporting stage sets and vital equipment, covering hundreds of miles between venues. Remarkably, they were able to charge on the go, using the existing heavy goods vehicle (HGV) infrastructure available in the UK and Ireland. With an impressive range of over 500km on a single charge, the eActros 600 was equipped to handle the demanding requirements of the tour. The ability to recharge from 20% to 80% in just 25 minutes allowed for seamless logistics throughout the event, demonstrating that electric trucks can indeed meet the rigorous demands of large-scale tours.

Richard Burnett, Managing Director of KB Event, expressed his enthusiasm for the eco-friendly initiative, stating, “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, range, and reliability needed. No one else can do this like Mercedes-Benz Trucks.”

He further elaborated on the logistics of the tour, noting, “Despite tight deadlines, charging posed no issues during the tour. 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.” This statement underscores the practicality of integrating electric vehicles into touring schedules, paving the way for a more sustainable future in live events.

Sam Fender, the talented artist behind the tour, also acknowledged the significance of this shift towards sustainability. He remarked, “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.” His words reflect a growing awareness and responsibility among artists to consider the environmental impact of their performances.

Stuart Jeggo, the Sales and Marketing Director of Daimler Truck UK, emphasised the broader implications of this achievement, stating, “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.” His comments highlight the potential for electric vehicles to not only support the entertainment sector but also contribute to a greener planet.

With the success of the People Watching Tour, the music industry is taking significant steps towards sustainability, and the collaboration between Sam Fender, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and KB Event serves as a potent example for others to follow. As more artists and event organisers recognise the importance of eco-friendly practices, the landscape of live music is poised for a transformative shift.

As we reflect on this pioneering tour, it becomes clear that the integration of electric vehicles into the logistics of live performances is not just a novel idea but a necessary evolution. With growing concerns over climate change and environmental degradation, the music industry has a unique opportunity to lead by example, inspiring fans and fellow artists alike to embrace sustainability.

The potential for electric trucks in the touring sector extends beyond just reducing emissions. It opens up new avenues for innovation in logistics, offers cost-saving opportunities, and enhances the overall experience for both artists and fans. As venues begin to implement their own charging stations, the transition to electric-powered touring becomes even more feasible, allowing for a smoother and more efficient operation.

Moreover, the success of the eActros 600 demonstrates that electric vehicles can meet the rigorous demands of the entertainment industry, debunking the myth that they are not suitable for heavy-duty applications. With advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure, the future of touring is not only bright but also green.

In conclusion, the People Watching Tour has set a remarkable example of how the music industry can adopt sustainable practices without compromising on performance or reliability. As we continue to advocate for a net zero future, initiatives like this remind us that every effort counts. The collaboration between artists, manufacturers, and event organisers is crucial in driving change and fostering a culture of sustainability within the industry.

Let us celebrate this milestone and encourage more artists to embrace electric solutions in their tours. Together, we can create a harmonious balance between enjoying live music and protecting our planet for future generations.

Thank you for joining us in recognising this significant achievement in the path towards sustainability in the music industry. Let’s continue to champion the transition towards a net zero future, one concert at a time.