Mercedes GenH2, the hydrogen truck prototype - Grupo Concesur

The Mercedes Truck Division is part of the Mercedes Benz product structure. Engineers are working to develop the trucks of the future, efficient, high-capacity road transport vehicles. From this principle is born the new Mercedes GenH2, a hydrogen truck prototype that is currently undergoing testing and development.

Introduced in 2020, the Mercedes GenH2 truck began track testing in April 2021, and now German authorities have granted Mercedes Benz the authorization to conduct real-world test drives on public roads. Daimler Trucks, the truck division of Mercedes, is focusing on fuel cell technology with the aim of electrifying its vehicle range.

Mercedes GenH2, with up to 1,000 kilometers of autonomy

The Mercedes GenH2 truck has been designed from the ground up. It integrates completely new components, including the fuel cell system, the all-electric drive system and all associated systems, such as the special cooling unit. Thus, the pre-series Mercedes GenH2 equips two electric motors that deliver a separate power output of 230 kW (312 hp), reaching peaks of up to 330 kW (448 hp) and a maximum torque of 2,071 Nm.

Based on the Mercedes Actros in terms of traction capacity, range and performance, the GenH2 will have a gross weight of 40 tons and a payload of 25 tons. The fuel cell will be powered by two special stainless steel liquid hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 80 kilograms that is still under development. For this reason, the prototype is equipped with hydrogen gas tanks as an interim solution during the testing phase.

In the standard version of the Mercedes GenH2, the fuel cell is to supply 300 kW of electrical power, while the battery is to provide an additional 400 kW temporarily. This battery has a capacity of 70 kWh and is responsible for providing additional power at specific times. On its own, the hydrogen fuel cell provides enough energy to power the truck's two electric motors.

Daimler Trucks is developing the new GenH2 truck to meet the same requirements as a conventional Mercedes Actros. This means it can cover 1.2 million kilometers over a ten-year period and a total of 25,000 working hours.

Hydrogen trucks as a solution for the future of road transport

Together with the new Mercedes eActros 2021 truck, the Mercedes GenH2 is part of Mercedes Benz's bid to electrify road transport. With the GenH2, hauliers should be able to use the vehicle for flexible and demanding trips of up to 1,000 kilometers without refueling hydrogen.

Refueling a hydrogen truck takes only a few minutes, similar to refueling a diesel vehicle. This eliminates any delays or delays in travel, providing greater productivity and reducing costs. In addition, a hydrogen fuel cell car or truck emits no particulate pollutants. Only water comes out of its exhaust pipe.

Daimler Trucks offers customers the best vehicle options for different road transports. Thus, the lighter the load and the shorter the distance, the more favorable is the use of a 100% electric truck like the new Mercedes eActros. However, for heavy loads and long distances, the GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell is the most appropriate choice.

Mercedes Benz will start road tests with the new GenH2 at the end of 2021. In the meantime, customer trials are planned for 2023, with first deliveries of the final production truck by 2027.