Daimler trial: hydrogen lorries match diesel but costs hold them back

Five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 lorries covered more than 225,000 kilometres with logistics companies including Amazon, Air Products and Holcim. The vehicles consistently achieved ranges of over 1,000 kilometres and refuelled in 10–15 minutes, directly comparable to diesel., reports Daimler Truck A comparable diesel lorry would have required about 58,000 litres of fuel, producing 154 tonnes of CO2.

Hydrogen consumption ranged from 5.6 to 8 kg per 100 kilometres depending on payload, which varied between 16 and 34 tonnes. Each lorry carried two 40 kg tanks of liquid hydrogen, preferred over compressed gas for its higher energy density, lower tank weight and greater payload capacity. Power came from a 300 kW fuel cell paired with a 70 kWh battery for peak loads. Drivers praised the smooth ride, quiet operation and strong performance.

Across the trial, the five vehicles required 285 refuelling stops, consuming around 15 tonnes of liquid hydrogen. Operations included Amazon’s partner running line-haul between Frankenthal and Sindelfingen, Air Products transporting bottled gases from Hattingen, Holcim delivering cement in Germany and the Netherlands, INEOS Inovyn’s partner VERVAEKE moving PVC and vinyl, and Wiedmann & Winz hauling containers for DP World.

“The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 lorry is on a par with the diesel Actros in many ways – that makes it so valuable for us. Due to the high range and the short refuelling times, we can deploy the GenH2 lorry like a diesel lorry,” said Dr Micha Lege, managing director of Wiedmann & Winz.

Despite the technical success, operators confirmed that hydrogen lorries remain economically uncompetitive. High hydrogen prices and vehicle insurance premiums prevent cost parity with diesel.

Daimler Truck also acknowledged that progress on refuelling infrastructure has been “much slower than expected”. Europe will need about 2,000 hydrogen stations by 2030 to enable widespread deployment.

During the trial, Daimler provided 24-hour technical support and dedicated service through trained branches in Haan and Stuttgart-Feuerbach. This level of support will remain crucial for early adopters, with further locations being prepared.

A second phase of trials with additional customers will begin in late 2025, followed by small-series production of 100 vehicles from 2026 at the Wörth plant. Large-scale rollout is now planned for the early 2030s, with Daimler continuing to pursue both battery-electric and hydrogen lorries as part of its decarbonisation strategy.