100 hydrogen trucks: Daimler Truck sets timeline for customer rollout

Daimler Truck AG has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck, announcing plans to place 100 hydrogen fuel cell semi-trailers into customer operations from the end of 2026. The vehicles will be produced in a limited small series at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany.

According to the company, the NextGenH2 Truck represents the next development stage of its hydrogen strategy, following testing programmes with the first-generation GenH2 prototypes. Daimler Truck says the vehicles are close to production maturity and are intended for demanding long-haul operations.

Daimler Truck continues to prioritise liquid hydrogen (LH₂) rather than compressed hydrogen. Stored at –253°C, liquid hydrogen allows higher energy density and longer ranges. The manufacturer states that the NextGenH2 Truck is designed to achieve ranges well above 1,000 km at full load.

Compared with the earlier GenH2 Truck, the new model features larger hydrogen tanks, with a combined capacity of up to 85 kg of liquid hydrogen. Refuelling is possible from both sides of the vehicle and, using the sLH₂ standard developed with Linde, can be completed in 10–15 minutes, according to the company.

Daimler Truck points to logistical and payload advantages of liquid hydrogen over high-pressure gaseous systems, arguing that this makes fuel cell trucks more comparable with diesel vehicles in long-distance transport.

Fuel cell system and energy consumption

At the core of the drivetrain is the BZA150 fuel cell supplied by cellcentric, the joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group. Two fuel cell units operate together, delivering a combined output of 300 kW.

Based on early customer trials with the GenH2 Truck, Daimler Truck reports hydrogen consumption figures of between 5.6 and 8 kg per 100 km, depending on vehicle weight and operating conditions, with gross combination weights ranging from 16 to 34 tonnes.

The fuel cell generates electricity on board, which—together with a buffer battery—powers the electric motors. The only emission at the vehicle level is water vapour.

Series components borrowed from eActros 600

A key change compared with earlier hydrogen prototypes is the use of series-production components from the battery-electric lineup. The NextGenH2 Truck adopts the integrated e-axle, ProCabin, Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 and safety systems from the Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600.

The ProCabin, already used on the Actros L and eActros 600, delivers a reported nine per cent improvement in aerodynamic drag compared with the previous cab. The electric drive axle includes a four-speed transmission, while energy storage is supported by a 101 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, which also enables energy recuperation during braking and downhill driving.

Power output reaches up to 340 kW in Economy mode and 370 kW in Power mode, according to Daimler Truck.

Trailer compatibility and operational usability

Feedback from GenH2 customer trials has influenced several design changes. A more compact Tech Tower behind the cab has allowed the wheelbase to be shortened by 150 mm to 4,000 mm, improving compatibility with standard EU trailers and combinations.

The Tech Tower also integrates a new boil-off management system, designed to meet regulatory requirements for handling hydrogen, including parking in enclosed spaces. Additional sensors are intended to detect hydrogen leakage, allowing overnight stays in the cab’s two standard beds.

Crash protection for the liquid hydrogen tanks has been enhanced through redesigned side panels with integrated crash elements, while also contributing to improved aerodynamics.

Testing and public funding

Prototypes of the NextGenH2 Truck have undergone testing in extreme alpine conditions, both in winter and summer, with results feeding into the final development phase.

The project is supported by €226 million in public funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. Daimler Truck says series production of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is planned for the early 2030s, beyond the upcoming small-series deployment.