Daimler Truck has initiated customer trials for its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell trucks with participants including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Holcim, and Air Products. This endeavor is part of Daimler’s broader strategy to shift towards CO2-neutral transportation by 2039. The trials will span various logistics applications, showcasing the trucks’ capacity for long-haul journeys where battery charging infrastructure is sparse.
In 2021, Daimler and Volvo formed a joint venture named “Cellcentric” to accelerate the production of fuel-cell systems for these hydrogen-powered trucks. Previous reports have detailed Daimler’s significant investments in hydrogen technology, noting that they produced their first GenH2 prototype in the same year. The truck’s use of liquid hydrogen allows for greater energy density and longer range compared to traditional battery electric vehicles, especially in rural settings.
The initial GenH2 prototype demonstrated an impressive 1,047 km range, indicating strong potential for replacing diesel trucks in long-haul applications. The inclusion of major companies like Amazon and Air Products in the trials further underscores the commercial viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Daimler plans to introduce the series version of these trucks by the latter half of the decade.
Hydrogen Technology’s Role in CO2-Neutral Goals
Daimler’s commitment to hydrogen technology forms part of its strategy to offer CO2-neutral vehicles by 2039. The company asserts that while battery electric vehicles serve well for shorter routes, hydrogen fuel cell trucks are more apt for long-haul logistics, especially in areas lacking battery charging infrastructure. Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, emphasized:
“When it comes to decarbonizing transport, we are focusing on battery-electric and hydrogen-based drives. The transformation can only succeed if green energy is sufficiently and comprehensively available – and for this we need both technologies. With regard to hydrogen drives, we are now taking another important step towards series readiness: we are starting the trials of our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Trucks in real-life daily transport operations with our customers.”
Insights from Real-life Trials
The year-long trials will examine the trucks in various logistics operations. Amazon will use the trucks for logistical operations in Germany, while Air Products will transport cylinder gases. Holcim, Wiedmann & Winz, and INEOS will also participate, using the trucks for building materials, sea containers, and PVC transportation respectively. Andreas Marschner, Vice President of Amazon Transportation Services, stated:
“We remain steadfast in our Climate Pledge commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040. The decarbonization of our transport network plays a crucial role in achieving this milestone, and we continue to invest, experiment and innovate. We look forward to supporting the Daimler Truck development team in the next phase of this project.”
These customer trials will provide Daimler with valuable data regarding the real-life performance of hydrogen trucks, enabling further refinement and development. The trucks’ capacity to carry liquid hydrogen effectively increases their range and performance, making them a viable alternative to conventional diesel trucks. This could be a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Daimler’s investment in hydrogen technology and its collaboration with Volvo through Cellcentric represent a significant shift towards sustainable transportation solutions. The comprehensive trials aim to address the practical challenges of implementing hydrogen fuel cells in daily operations. This initiative aligns with Daimler’s vision of achieving CO2-neutral transportation by 2039, emphasizing the blend of battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies.
