Daimler Truck final week introduced the profitable trial of its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck prototype. The hydrogen-electric semi-trailer truck accomplished 1,047 kilometers, or 650 miles, on a single fill of hydrogen.

Accomplished with zero CO2 emissions, the truck crossed Germany, ranging from Woerth am Rhein and ending in Berlin. The trial was performed with a full load (gross weight of 80,000 kilos) driving a distance similar to what’s coated by present diesel-powered vans.

First previewed in 2020 within the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck idea, the truck’s powertrain encompasses a pair of electrical motors, and every motor can ship a steady 308 hp and 1,163 lb-ft of torque and a peak of 442 hp and 1,527 lb-ft.

Usually the motors draw vitality from a hydrogen fuel-cell stack however throughout high-load conditions, vitality can also be drawn from a battery. The battery has a comparatively small capability because it’s solely used briefly, similar to when the truck is conducting a cross or climbing a steep hill.

Cellcentric twin-fuel-cell system for heavy-duty utility

The truck is fitted with liquid hydrogen storage tanks, chosen as a result of they’re smaller than tanks required for gaseous hydrogen. There are two 88-pound tanks. In accordance with Daimler Vans, the hydrogen might be saved at a low temperature for a sufficiently very long time with out energetic cooling attributable to insulation.

The gasoline cell part of the powertrain is a growth of Cellcentric, a three way partnership between Daimler Vans and the Volvo Group business autos firm. Cellcentric has beforehand hinted at producing gasoline cells at scale by 2025.

Whereas the prototype within the trial relies on a Mercedes-Benz Actros, its powertrain may find yourself in vans and buses from different Daimler Truck manufacturers, similar to Freightliner, Western Star, and Fuso, in addition to the manufacturers operated by Volvo Group.

Daimler Vans can also be creating battery-electric vans for shorter routes and already has some on sale, together with the Fuso eCanter and Mercedes-Benz eActros.