Daimler Truck recently announced it is entering the next phase of development with hydrogen-powered trucks. The company is set to build a first customer-trial fleet of Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks.
In collaboration with partners such as Amazon, Air Products, INEOS, Holcim, and Wiedmann & Winz, Daimler Truck aims to conduct initial trials of CO2-free long-distance transport with these fuel-cell trucks, scheduled to commence from mid-2024.
The customer-trial fleet, consisting of five semi-trailer tractors, will be deployed in various long-haul applications on specific routes in Germany.
These applications include transporting building materials, sea containers, and cylinder gases. During the trials, the GenH2 Trucks will be closely supervised by Mercedes-Benz Trucks and refueled at designated public liquid hydrogen filling stations in Wörth am Rhein and the Duisburg area.
The strategic move aligns with Daimler Truck’s vision of establishing a groundbreaking lighthouse project, demonstrating the viability of decarbonized transport using hydrogen-powered trucks. While recognizing the current feasibility, the success of this transformation hinges on the international development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the availability of green liquid hydrogen.
Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG, emphasized the significance of testing fuel-cell trucks in real customer operations. The customer trials provide an opportunity for customers to experience fuel-cell technology in daily use, while also allowing Daimler’s engineering team to better understand customer needs and use cases for series development.
Daimler Truck’s preference for liquid hydrogen in developing hydrogen-based drives is underscored by its higher energy density, cost-effectiveness in transport, and potential for increased range. The company plans to employ the innovative „sLH2 technology,” a subcooled liquid hydrogen refueling process, in the customer-trial fleet. Developed in collaboration with Linde, this technology is available for interested companies via an ISO standard.
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks, based on the characteristics of the conventional Mercedes-Benz Actros long-haul truck, offer a payload of approximately 25 tons at a gross combination weight of 40 tons.
Two special liquid hydrogen tanks and a powerful cellcentric fuel-cell system contribute to the high payload and long range. The innovative fuel-cell system delivers 300 kilowatts, supplemented by a 400 kW temporary battery. This battery, with a capacity of 70 kWh, enhances situational power support for the fuel cell, contributing to peak performance during acceleration or uphill driving while fully loaded.