Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck Teases the Future of Hydrogen-Powered Trucking

The Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck ushers in the future of long-haul trucking. Daimler Truck has made the big reveal, and production of 100 units will begin at their Wörth plant by the end of 2026. Customers will soon be able to get their hands on these trucks, and real-world testing has already been organized, placing this cutting-edge technology where it counts every day.

Mercedes-Benz engineers were able to build the NextGenH2 using lessons learnt from prior GenH2 prototypes that went through extensive customer trials. As one might assume, the design is heavily inspired by the tried-and-true battery-electric eActros 600. Among the many shared components are the all-electric axle with a four-speed transmission, the sleek aerodynamic ProCabin, the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 infotainment system, and the full suite of current safety features, such as Active Brake Assist 6 and Active Sideguard Assist 2.

When it comes to power, we’re talking about a pair of cellcentric BZA150 fuel cells created through a collaboration between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. These provide a consistent 300 kW, which increases to 340 kW in Economy mode and 370 kW in Power mode during peak demand, providing 496 horsepower if necessary. The electricity generated is fed into a 101 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which functions as a buffer, absorbing any energy saved from braking or going downhill to maintain efficiency high and assist when you need it most.

To get the highest density, hydrogen is stored in liquid form at -253°C. You get 85 kg in total, divided between two tanks that can be refueled by either side in as little as 10 to 15 minutes at compatible stations that employ sLH2, a standard created in collaboration with Linde. On a full tank, you can travel 1,000 kilometers without issue, which is roughly the same distance that diesel trucks typically cover on long hauls. One of the GenH2 prototypes actually traveled 1,047 kilometers with a 40-tonne load, which is rather astounding.

Layout-wise, things are rather practical, as the 4,000mm wheelbase has been lowered by 150 mm to comply with European length restrictions while maintaining that all-important agility. The fuel cell technology is neatly hidden beneath the cab in a small arrangement known as the Tech Tower. You also receive a number of safety features, such as smart boil-off management for temperature control, hydrogen leakage sensors that allow you to sleep in the cab overnight, and side panels with built-in tank crash protection. All of this adds up to a pretty aerodynamic package that is also extremely quiet.

Daimler Truck is targeting these 100 trucks for the most demanding long-haul work, where flexibility is essential. They’ve already tested one of the prototypes in the Swiss Alps during the winter and summer, obtaining critical real-world data to help them fine-tune the design. The German government is supporting the endeavor with €226 million in financing, demonstrating their commitment to making hydrogen a viable option alongside battery-electric power. Even though full series production is still a long way off, projected for the early 2030s, the idea is to establish a refueling network to support it.