Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck Teases the Way forward for Hydrogen-Powered Trucking

The Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck ushers in the way forward for long-haul trucking. Daimler Truck has made the large reveal, and manufacturing of 100 models will start at their Wörth plant by the tip of 2026. Prospects will quickly have the ability to get their fingers on these vehicles, and real-world testing has already been organized, inserting this cutting-edge expertise the place it counts every single day.

Mercedes-Benz engineers have been capable of construct the NextGenH2 utilizing classes learnt from prior GenH2 prototypes that went via intensive buyer trials. As one would possibly assume, the design is closely impressed by the tried-and-true battery-electric eActros 600. Among the many many shared parts are the all-electric axle with a four-speed transmission, the glossy aerodynamic ProCabin, the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 infotainment system, and the complete suite of present security options, equivalent to Energetic Brake Help 6 and Energetic Sideguard Help 2.

In relation to energy, we’re speaking a couple of pair of cellcentric BZA150 gasoline cells created via a collaboration between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. These present a constant 300 kW, which will increase to 340 kW in Economic system mode and 370 kW in Energy mode throughout peak demand, offering 496 horsepower if obligatory. The electrical energy generated is fed right into a 101 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which capabilities as a buffer, absorbing any power saved from braking or going downhill to keep up effectivity excessive and help while you want it most.

To get the very best density, hydrogen is saved in liquid type at -253°C. You get 85 kg in whole, divided between two tanks that may be refueled by both facet in as little as 10 to fifteen minutes at suitable stations that make use of sLH2, a typical created in collaboration with Linde. On a full tank, you may journey 1,000 kilometers with out difficulty, which is roughly the identical distance that diesel vehicles usually cowl on lengthy hauls. One of many GenH2 prototypes truly traveled 1,047 kilometers with a 40-tonne load, which is relatively astounding.

Structure-wise, issues are relatively sensible, because the 4,000mm wheelbase has been lowered by 150 mm to adjust to European size restrictions whereas sustaining that all-important agility. The gasoline cell expertise is neatly hidden beneath the cab in a small association often known as the Tech Tower. You additionally obtain quite a few security options, equivalent to good boil-off administration for temperature management, hydrogen leakage sensors that mean you can sleep within the cab in a single day, and facet panels with built-in tank crash safety. All of this provides as much as a fairly aerodynamic bundle that can be extraordinarily quiet.

Daimler Truck is concentrating on these 100 vehicles for essentially the most demanding long-haul work, the place flexibility is important. They’ve already examined one of many prototypes within the Swiss Alps in the course of the winter and summer time, acquiring vital real-world knowledge to assist them fine-tune the design. The German authorities is supporting the endeavor with €226 million in financing, demonstrating their dedication to creating hydrogen a viable possibility alongside battery-electric energy. Though full collection manufacturing remains to be a great distance off, projected for the early 2030s, the thought is to ascertain a refueling community to help it.