Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Hydrogen Trucks Achieve 225,000 Kilometers in Client Logistics Trials

Introduction to Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Hydrogen Trucks

The logistics world is witnessing a green revolution with Daimler Truck’s five Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen-powered trucks collectively surpassing 225,000 kilometers in real customer operations. This milestone marks a significant leap towards sustainable heavy-duty freight transport, showcasing how zero-emission trucks are not just theoretical but robustly practical on the road.

Fleet Deployment and Testing Partners

Since July 2024, Daimler Truck has been conducting practical tests in collaboration with prominent logistics and industrial partners: Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS Inovyn, and Wiedmann & Winz. These five GenH2 prototypes have been integrated into regular supply chain routes across Germany, demonstrating the trucks’ readiness in diverse freight applications ranging from construction materials to industrial gases and combined transport solutions.

Logistics Routes and Roles

• Amazon utilized the GenH2 trucks for route-specific logistics between Frankenthal and Sindelfingen.
• Air Products managed gas logistics, transporting packaged gases from their Hattingen plant to service centers and customers.
• Wiedmann & Winz focused on combined transport, moving maritime containers for international logistics company DP World.
• Holcim powered bulk transport of cement from Ruhr basin plants to customers across western Germany and the Netherlands.
• VERVAEKE, for INEOS Inovyn, transported PVC and vinyl products efficiently and sustainably.

Performance Highlights and Technical Details

The GenH2 trucks impressed with their fuel cell efficiency, consuming an average of 5.6 to 8 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometers, depending on load and application. These figures align with a gross combined weight ranging from 16 to 34 tons, demonstrating flexibility for various freight loads.

Key Advantages in Freight Operations

• Long range autonomy: Over 1,000 kilometers on a single hydrogen fill, matching or exceeding diesel alternatives in practical transport scenarios.
• Fast refueling times: Between 10 and 15 minutes at liquid hydrogen stations, closely mimicking diesel truck refueling processes.
• Power and comfort: With a 300 kW fuel cell and supplementary 70 kWh battery for burst demands, the trucks provide smooth, noise-reduced driving favorable for driver comfort and urban operations.

Customer Feedback and Operational Insights

Feedback from logistics partners affirms that integrating GenH2 trucks into daily operations runs smoothly without sacrificing reliability or performance. Notably, drivers appreciate the power delivery and quiet ride, while companies acknowledge the capability for flexible, long-distance haulage.

Executives underscore the critical role of responsive technical support during testing and praise the practical familiarity of operating hydrogen trucks akin to traditional diesels. This trial phase has also provided Daimler with valuable insight into optimizing fueling infrastructure and service support for forthcoming series production.

Insights from Partner Companies

Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure and Challenges

Refueling was conducted primarily at liquid hydrogen stations in Wörth am Rhein and the Duisburg area, with a total of 285 refuelings dispensing around 15 tons of liquid hydrogen. This liquid hydrogen offers enhanced energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, allowing larger onboard storage capacity and extended truck range while maintaining payload.

Nonetheless, one major hurdle remains: a comprehensive public hydrogen refueling network, particularly for liquid hydrogen, is still underdeveloped across Europe. Expansion to approximately 2,000 hydrogen filling stations by 2030 is needed to support widespread adoption of fuel cell trucks and enable scaling in logistics operations.

Comprehensive Customer Support and Maintenance

Daimler Truck ensured close technical and commercial support throughout customer trials, including specialized training and certification for maintenance staff at key service centers. Dedicated account managers operated as single points of contact, providing 24/7 assistance for uninterrupted operations. This hands-on collaboration between development teams, service technicians, and logistics partners has been a key success factor.

Looking Ahead: Production and Industry Strategy

A second phase of testing is scheduled for late 2025, including the same five trucks and five new customers, broadening use cases and gathering further data for refining production models. Meanwhile, Daimler Truck is preparing series production of the next generation GenH2 with 100 vehicles planned at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, targeting deliveries from late 2026.

Daimler’s dual approach embraces both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, aiming for full decarbonization of freight transport. However, the pace of hydrogen refueling infrastructure growth remains a bottleneck, slowing large-scale hydrogen truck operations in the near term. Broad commercialization is thus anticipated around the early 2030s.

Logistics Industry Impact and Implications

Though the hydrogen truck revolution is still emerging, this breakthrough proves that zero-emission heavy freight vehicles can perform comparably to diesel trucks, especially for demanding long-haul routes. For carriers and fleet planners, these insights signal a coming shift in hauling solutions towards cleaner alternatives without sacrificing range or efficiency.

Platforms like GetTransport.com play a crucial role in simplifying logistics management, offering global, affordable freight and cargo transport services suitable for traditional or next-gen vehicles, including bulky items, office and home moves, and vehicle deliveries. Integrating such innovative technologies alongside flexible cargo platforms will be key to optimized future logistics.

الأفكار النهائية

The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen trucks demonstrate significant promise for sustainable freight logistics, having surpassed 225,000 km across diverse real-world operations backed by solid partner confidence. From their efficient fuel consumption and fast hydrogen refills to driver-friendly performance and reliable integration in daily hauling, these trucks embody the future of eco-friendly freight transport.

While expanding refueling infrastructure and improving cost structures remain challenges, the combination of fuel cell innovations and comprehensive technical support fuels optimism towards upcoming series production. This progress will empower faster, cleaner, and more versatile logistics operations worldwide.

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الملخص

Daimler Truck’s pioneering evaluation of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen trucks validates their operational viability by covering an impressive 225,000 km in active logistics roles. These trucks showcase solid fuel efficiency, long-range capability, and practical refueling times, while customer insights confirm high reliability and driver satisfaction. Overcoming infrastructure and cost hurdles remains a crucial frontier, yet the dual electric-hydrogen strategy points to a greener future in freight transport.

For logistics professionals, this milestone underlines the potential to integrate clean energy vehicles without compromising efficiency or range, influencing future haulage planning and operational sustainability. By leveraging services like GetTransport.com’s versatile and affordable cargo transport solutions, businesses can navigate evolving logistics landscapes with ease and cost-effectiveness.