Daimler's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Log Over 225,000 Kilometers of Travel

In an exciting development for the future of sustainable transportation, Daimler Truck has announced the successful completion of trials for its next-generation GenH2 fuel cell trucks. The trials, which began in July 2024, saw the participation of five major companies: Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS Inovyn, and Wiedmann & Winz.

The trials, conducted across various applications, including transporting building materials, handling containers, and chemicals, provided valuable insights for the further development of Daimler Truck's fuel cell trucks. The trucks were tested in daily logistics operations, demonstrating the capability for distances of more than 1,000 kilometers on a single refuelling.

Daimler Truck, with the support of its specialised service branches in Haan and Stuttgart-Feuerbach, serviced the trucks during the trials. The intensive use of the liquid hydrogen fueling stations during the trials enabled further optimization of the refuelling process.

In total, 285 refuellings were carried out using around 15 tonnes of liquid hydrogen at facilities in Wörth am Rhein and Duisburg. Feedback from the customers highlighted comfort, low noise levels, and reliability during daily use. The GenH2 Trucks were also reported to be deployable in a manner comparable to diesel vehicles, with long range, refuelling times of around 10-15 minutes, and suitability for long-distance operations.

Amazon tested a GenH2 Truck on a fixed logistics route between Frankenthal and Sindelfingen, while Wiedmann & Winz, in cooperation with DP World, deployed a GenH2 Truck in combined transport involving container haulage. INEOS Inovyn's partner VERVAEKE used a GenH2 Truck for PVC and vinyl distribution, and Holcim operated a GenH2 Truck in cement transport across Germany and into the Netherlands.

Air Products used a GenH2 Truck for bottled gas deliveries, showcasing the versatility of these trucks in various industries. The trials provided a significant boost to Daimler Truck's confidence in the GenH2 Trucks' potential, leading to the announcement of a small-series production of 100 units of the next generation GenH2 trucks, scheduled to begin in 2026 at the Wörth plant.

Daimler Truck has already clocked over 225,000 kilometers of real-world operations with five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 fuel cell trucks. The company plans to begin a second trial phase in late 2025 with five additional customers, although the identities of these customers remain undisclosed. Customers emphasised the importance of close technical support and training during the trial phase.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and air pollution, the success of Daimler Truck's GenH2 trials offers a glimmer of hope for a more sustainable future in transportation. The company's commitment to innovation and its dedication to creating cleaner, more efficient trucks bode well for the future of the industry.