After conducting extensive tests on its second-generation hydrogen-powered prototype truck, Daimler Trucks has unveiled a remarkable technological feat. The trial results reveal an astounding 600-mile range while carrying a substantial load of 80,000 pounds. Daimler Trucks is now focusing on hydrogen-powered fuel cells as the future of long-haul truck models, a strategic move bound to captivate the interest of technology enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Since 2021, a Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck fuel-cell prototype has been undergoing intensive testing on both the in-house test track and public roads. A newly installed prototype filling station at the development and testing center in Wörth enables the refueling with liquid hydrogen. Recently, Daimler Truck celebrated the truck’s first successful liquid hydrogen (LH2) refueling with Air Liquide.
During refueling, cryogenic liquid hydrogen at minus 253 degrees Celsius is filled into two 40 kg tanks mounted on either side of the chassis. Thanks to the particularly good insulation of the vehicle tanks, the hydrogen can be kept at a temperature for a sufficiently long time without active cooling.
Daimler Truck’s decision to utilize liquid hydrogen in developing hydrogen-based drives is a technological achievement and a significant stride towards a more sustainable future. As Daimler puts it, “In this aggregate state, the energy carrier has a significantly higher energy density about volume compared to gaseous hydrogen. This means more hydrogen can be carried, substantially increasing range and enabling comparable vehicle performance with a conventional diesel truck.” This commitment to environmental sustainability is a beacon of hope, signaling a positive shift in the transportation industry.
The tanks, about the size of a typical 150-gallon diesel tank, enable refueling in about 10 to 15 minutes, fueling the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck for a range of over 600 miles.
The new technology is significantly lighter, allowing for a higher payload and more stored hydrogen, thereby increasing the trucks’ range. This was demonstrated in September 2023 when a prototype of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck approved for public roads completed Daimler Truck’s test, covering 650 miles (1,047 km) on one fill of 80 kg of liquid hydrogen. The company’s aim to introduce the series version of the fuel-cell truck in the second half of the decade is a promising step towards a more efficient and sustainable future of transportation.
Jim Park, a Heavy-Duty Trucking journalist, former truck driver, and owner-operator, wrote an excellent article on the new technology. More information can be found here.
More technology investment
In other news, Antin Infrastructure Partners agreed to invest about $100 million and is taking a majority interest in hydrogen-equipment specialist GTL Leasing. GTL Leasing provides specially designed truck trailers, tanks, and compressors to transport and store hydrogen and other industrial gases.
