Daimler Truck’s Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck has achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of sustainable transportation. In a record-setting journey, the hydrogen-powered prototype covered an impressive 1,047 kilometers on a single fill of liquid hydrogen, reaffirming the potential of hydrogen-based drives in heavy-duty transport and long-distance haulage.
Powered by a cutting-edge cellcentric fuel-cell system and equipped with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank system, the #HydrogenRecordRun commenced on September 25, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Truck’s Customer Center in Woerth am Rhein and concluded the next day in Berlin. Crucially, this milestone was achieved with the truck fully loaded, boasting a gross combined vehicle weight of 40 tons, all while emitting zero CO2 emissions throughout the journey.
The credibility of this achievement was confirmed independently by an inspection document from TĆV Rheinland, with the truck’s tanks sealed and mileage meticulously controlled.
Ahead of the record-breaking run, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck was fueled with liquid hydrogen at Daimler Truck’s filling station, sourced from Air Liquide, with a focus on renewable origin through biomethane production.
During the refueling process, cryogenic liquid hydrogen at a staggering -253 degrees Celsius was filled into two 40 kg tanks, ingeniously mounted on either side of the truck chassis. The truck’s efficient tank insulation allowed the hydrogen to be stored at the required temperature for an extended period without active cooling.
Daimler Truck’s preference for liquid hydrogen in developing hydrogen-based drives is grounded in its significantly higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, resulting in extended range and performance that rivals conventional diesel trucks.
Daimler Truck, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, is firmly committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Their objective is to introduce new vehicles that are carbon-neutral during driving operations in core global markets by 2039.
While battery-electric trucks excel in distribution haulage and long-distance routes with predictable charging options, hydrogen-based drives are positioned as a compelling solution for highly flexible and demanding deployments in heavy-duty transport.
However, the successful transition to emission-free technologies hinges on the availability of infrastructure and ample green electricity. Daimler Truck recognizes the necessity of both battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies to meet the energy demands for a sustainable future.
This milestone follows Daimler Truck’s strategic commitment to hydrogen technology three years ago when they unveiled the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck Concept. Subsequently, they established cellcentric, a joint venture with the Volvo Group, aimed at operating one of Europe’s largest fuel-cell production facilities.
Since 2021, prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck have undergone rigorous testing, even conquering the challenging Brenner Pass, one of Europe’s busiest transit routes. The #HydrogenRecordRun is yet another significant step on the journey toward sustainable transportation.
Looking ahead, the first fuel-cell trucks are expected to undergo testing in customer hands in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of introducing the series version of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in the latter half of this decade. This achievement solidifies Daimler Truck’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable transport.
