Daimler Truck is moving forward with its GenH2 fuel cell truck, starting customer trials. After extensive internal tests, the first five trucks have been given to customers for real-world testing. The five companies involved are Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, Ineos, and Wiedmann & Winz.
Daimler Truck said, “The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks have reached an advanced development stage for deployment in the first customer fleets.” These customer trials are essential for developing new models at Daimler Truck.
The GenH2 trucks will be used in daily logistics operations in Germany. They rely on cryogenic liquid hydrogen (sLH2) for fuel, with refueling stations located in Wörth am Rhein and near Duisburg. The GenH2 truck has two fuel cell systems and a 70 kWh battery. It also has two electric motors, providing significant power and torque. The truck is designed for long hauls, with a range of over 1,000 kilometers, as demonstrated by a prototype last September.
Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum emphasized the need for both battery-electric and hydrogen-based drives to achieve sustainable transportation. He also highlighted the importance of building the necessary refueling infrastructure.
VDA President Hildegard Müller stressed that hydrogen fuel cell drives should be part of the future of heavy-duty commercial vehicles. She called for a network of hydrogen filling stations and supporting infrastructure.
The five customers are excited to test the new trucks and see how they perform in their fleets. Micha Lege from Wiedmann & Winz said, “We are looking forward to testing a long-haul truck with a hydrogen fuel cell drive, in the form of the GenH2 Truck.”
