Daimler Truck, the commercial vehicle division of Daimler AG, made headlines last week with the successful trial of its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype. This hydrogen-electric semi-trailer truck achieved an impressive feat, completing a journey of 1,047 kilometers (650 miles) on a single fill of hydrogen, emitting zero CO2 emissions in the process.
The trial took place in Germany, starting from Woerth am Rhein and concluding in Berlin. Crucially, the truck was carrying a full load with a gross weight of 80,000 pounds, which is comparable to the distances covered by diesel-powered trucks currently in operation.
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck concept was initially unveiled in 2020. The truck’s powertrain is equipped with two electric motors, each capable of delivering a continuous 308 horsepower and 1,163 lb-ft of torque, with peak figures of 442 horsepower and 1,527 lb-ft. These motors primarily draw energy from a hydrogen fuel-cell stack, but they can also tap into a battery during high-load situations. The battery has a relatively small capacity since it is only used temporarily, such as when the truck is overtaking or climbing steep inclines.
One notable aspect of the truck is its liquid hydrogen storage tanks, chosen for their smaller size compared to gaseous hydrogen tanks. The GenH2 Truck is equipped with two 88-pound tanks, and Daimler Trucks claims that the hydrogen can be kept at low temperatures for an extended period without active cooling, thanks to effective insulation.
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The fuel cell component of the powertrain is a development of Cellcentric, a joint venture between Daimler Trucks and the Volvo Group. Cellcentric aims to scale up fuel cell production by 2025, and this successful trial is a significant step towards that goal.
While the trial prototype is based on the Mercedes-Benz Actros, the powertrain technology could potentially find its way into trucks and buses from other Daimler Truck brands like Freightliner, Western Star, and Fuso, as well as Volvo Group’s brands.
It is important to note that Daimler Trucks is not solely focused on hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company is also actively developing battery-electric trucks for shorter routes, and some models are already available for sale. Vehicles like the Fuso eCanter and Mercedes-Benz eActros are examples of Daimler Trucks’ commitment to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio.
The successful trial of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype is a significant achievement in the advancement of hydrogen-electric truck technology. It showcases the potential for long-range, emissions-free transportation in the commercial vehicle sector. With ongoing development and improvements, hydrogen-electric trucks could become a viable alternative to diesel-powered trucks, contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.
In conclusion, Daimler Truck has made impressive progress with its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype, completing a long-distance journey on a single fill of hydrogen. The truck’s powertrain, featuring electric motors and a fuel cell component, holds great potential for commercial vehicles in the future. As the company continues to invest in both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technologies, it is actively shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
