Metallica is revolutionizing how they transport their gear across the globe by embracing electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered big rigs

Metallica, the titan of touring bands, is revolutionizing how they transport their gear across the globe by embracing electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered big rigs. Commencing this summer during the European leg of their M72 World Tour, the band will be hitching their wagon to Italian truck manufacturer Iveco’s vehicles.

The collaboration between Metallica and Iveco kicked off last year, but it’s only now that the band is fully integrating a mix of Iveco’s battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell models into their fleet. This move not only bodes well for reducing their carbon footprint and aiding the environment but also promises substantial savings for Metallica in fuel costs. Hydrogen fuel cells boast a reported efficiency 2.5 times higher than gas engines, while electric vehicles offer significant savings compared to traditional fueling methods, albeit with the caveat of longer recharge times.

Metallica’s pivot away from fossil fuels positions them as trailblazers in adopting fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) on such a grand scale. Gerrit Marx, CEO of Iveco Group, attributes the partnership to Metallica’s desire to minimize their carbon footprint without compromising their demanding tour schedule.

Through this collaboration, Iveco is providing Metallica with a fleet including:

S-eWay trucks, Iveco’s electric vehicle variant with a range of 311 miles before recharge.S-Way LNG trucks fueled by liquefied natural gas, boasting an impressive range of 994 miles.Iveco’s latest FCEVs, typically offering a nearly 500-mile range.

Additionally, Metallica will utilize Iveco’s EV minibus as concert shuttles.Given the colossal amount of fuel expended in transporting such elaborate productions globally, Metallica’s transition to more eco-friendly options is commendable. The band has previously been flagged for their substantial carbon emissions, making this shift a positive step in the right direction.