New Delhi: A Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype traveled 1,047 km from Woerth am Rhein to Berlin, marking a significant achievement for Daimler Truck‘s hydrogen-powered vehicles. This is part of Daimler Truck’s dual-track strategy involving both hydrogen and battery technologies and underscores the practicality of hydrogen fuel cells in long-haul transport, the company said.Andreas Gorbach, a member of Daimler Truck AG‘s Board of Management and Head of Truck Technology, highlighted the truck’s capability to cover such distances with a single hydrogen fill. This successful journey demonstrated the viability of hydrogen fuel-cell technology in decarbonizing flexible and demanding long-distance road transportation.
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, certified for public road use, commenced its journey on September 25th from Woerth am Rhein and concluded on September 26th in Berlin. The truck, fully loaded with a gross combined weight of 40 tons, completed the run under real-world conditions without emitting CO2 throughout the entire journey. The accuracy of this achievement was independently confirmed by TÜV Rheinland.
Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product Development, and Petra Dick-Walther, Secretary of State for Economic Affairs in Rhineland-Palatinate, sent off the hydrogen-powered truck in front of international media. They celebrated the innovative spirit of Rhineland-Palatinate and its contribution to transforming the transport industry.
Following the record run, Andreas Gorbach emphasized the importance of both battery-electric and hydrogen-powered technologies in the decarbonization of transport. He noted that achieving the 1,000-kilometer milestone with a single fill demonstrated the practicality of hydrogen for trucks, emphasizing the progress toward series production. Gorbach also stressed the need for green energy infrastructure and competitive costs in making the transition to emission-free technologies.
Before the run, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck was refueled with renewable liquid hydrogen at Daimler Truck’s filling station in Woerth. The cryogenic liquid hydrogen, stored in two 40 kg tanks on the truck chassis, was sealed and maintained its temperature without active cooling, thanks to efficient tank insulation. Daimler Truck favors liquid hydrogen for its higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, enabling increased range and performance similar to conventional diesel trucks.
Daimler Truck remains committed to a dual-track strategy, investing in both hydrogen and battery-powered vehicles. As a major global commercial vehicle manufacturer, the company aims to offer CO2-neutral vehicles in core markets by 2039. While battery-electric trucks are suitable for certain haulage scenarios, hydrogen-based drives appear more promising for highly flexible and demanding heavy-duty transport and long-distance haulage. Infrastructure development and the availability of green electricity are crucial for a successful transition, and Daimler Truck believes that both technologies are essential for meeting energy demands.
The journey from Berlin to Berlin over the past three years has been a transformative one for hydrogen-powered trucking. Daimler Truck’s commitment to hydrogen technology, the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck Concept in 2020, and the establishment of cellcentric as a joint venture with Volvo Group have paved the way for sustainable transportation. First fuel-cell truck prototypes are undergoing rigorous testing, and the company aims to introduce the series version of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in the second half of the decade.
