Daimler Truck has entered the second phase of testing for its hydrogen fuel cell truck, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2. This new phase will involve real-world use by five logistics companies, Hornbach, Reber Logistik, Teva, Rhenus, and DHL Supply Chain, on their actual routes within Germany. The company said these tests are part of its plan to prepare the GenH2 for small-series production.
Each partner company will operate a GenH2 Truck for one year in different types of logistics work, including temperature-controlled transport for pharmaceuticals and general cargo for long-distance delivery. Daimler Truck said the findings from these operations will help improve the truck’s development, sales process, and service systems ahead of future production.
The GenH2 Truck uses two fuel cell systems from Cellcentric, producing 300 kW of combined power. It also has a 70 kWh battery that adds up to 400 kW of boost power when needed, such as during acceleration or uphill climbs. The two electric motors produce up to 330 kW each at peak output with a combined torque of over 2,000 Nm. The truck weighs around 40 tonnes and can carry about 25 tonnes of payload.
Powered by liquid hydrogen (sLH2), the GenH2 Truck can travel over 1,000 kilometers on a full tank. However, the trucks can currently only refuel at two special filling stations, one in Wörth am Rhein and another in Duisburg, operated by Linde. Daimler Truck said it chose liquid hydrogen because it provides longer range than gaseous hydrogen.
The company plans to produce about 100 small-series units of the GenH2 starting at the end of 2026 at its Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. Regular series production, however, is now expected to start after 2030 due to slow progress in hydrogen refueling infrastructure across Europe. Daimler Truck said it will continue developing hydrogen-powered trucks alongside battery-electric models under its dual strategy for the European market.
The first prototype of the GenH2 already proved its long-distance capability in 2023 when it traveled 1,047 kilometers on a single tank of liquid hydrogen. With continued testing, Daimler Truck hopes to confirm its readiness for real-world transport operations and future large-scale production.
