Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 fuel cell truck to start production

Following successful prototype testing, the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 fuel-cell truck is now going into production – albeit at a modest introductory scale.

In a small-series production run at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, 100 units will be manufactured and deployed to European customers towards the end of 2026.

As yet, there are no plans for its introduction into Australia.

“In addition to battery-electric solutions, hydrogen-based drives are crucial for the sustainable transformation of our industry,” said Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“With the NextGenH2 Truck, we are taking the next technological step in fuel cell trucks. Together with our customers, we aim to introduce the small series with high range and near production-ready technology into daily transport operations from the end of 2026.”

Liquid hydrogen enables ranges well over 1000km on a single tank at full load. The fuel cell then converts hydrogen into electrical energy.

Daimler Truck prefers the use of liquid hydrogen. At -253 degrees Celsius, liquid hydrogen has a significantly higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, allowing more hydrogen to be stored, substantially increasing range and delivering performance comparable to conventional diesel trucks.

In the production GenH2 Truck, the capacity of the two liquid hydrogen tanks has been increased to 85kg.

The BZA150 fuel cell from cellcentric – a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group – remains the heart of the NextGenH2 Truck’s drive system. Two fuel cell units operate as a twin system with a total output of 300kW.

In early customer trials, hydrogen consumption averaged between 5.6 to 8kg per 100km, with gross combined vehicle weights ranging between 16 and 34 tonnes.

At the heart of the energy storage system is a high-voltage battery developed by Daimler Truck with a capacity of 101kWh. The lithium-iron-phosphate battery stores energy during recuperation.

The NextGenH2 Truck uses the same in-house-developed electric drive axle as used in the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, with a four-speed transmission.

Other components from the eActros 600 include the integrated e-axle, aerodynamic ProCabin, a modern multimedia cockpit and safety and assistance systems.

The NextGenH2 Truck has Active Brake Assist 6, Front Guard Assist and Active Sideguard Assist 2, as well as compliance with current cybersecurity standards.

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President Sales, Marketing and Operations, Andrew Assimo, says it is exciting to see the news about the NextGenH2 introduction.

“The start of the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 production for European markets represents a major milestone for sustainable trucking,” he said.

“We have no immediate plans for its introduction in Australia, but that is certainly something we will consider as we watch its roll-out across Europe.”