Mercedes-Benz set to launch revamped 1,000km-range hydrogen truck
10.03.2026 dpa
Photo: Dirk Weyhenmeyer/MediaPortal Daimler Truck AG/dpa
Daimler says it plans to launch a small series of its latest hydrogen-powered long-range Mercedes-Benz truck at the end of this year.
Following successful tests of the first GenH2 prototypes, Daimler is set to produce a small series of a hundred NextGenH2 vehicles in Germany from the end of 2026 and enter customer service.
Delivery trucks, still largely dependent on fossil fuels, are associated with massive emissions damaging climate and health, however major manufacturers have been moving closer to zero-emissions heavy-duty transport.
The Rhenus logistics group is among a small group of hauliers testing an initial five prototype trucks for a year in everyday conditions. Based in Duisburg, the vehicle is on the road almost around the clock in real logistics operations.
Other users include DIY chain Hornbach, Teva Germany (with its pharmacutical brand Ratiopharm), Reber Logistik and DHL postal services.
The routes include regional trips of around 150 kilometres and long-distance trips of up to around 650 kilometres.
As with the previous model, liquid hydrogen enables the fuel-cell truck to cover a range of well over 1,000 kilometres before refuelling.
The NextGenH2 Truck uses two tanks with up to 85 kg of hydrogen, which can be refuelled in between ten and 15 minutes.
According to Daimler Truck, the NextGenH2 Truck combines proven technologies such as the Cellcentric fuel cell and liquid hydrogen tanks with advanced solutions for safety and a more compact design.
"As an international logistics service provider, we want to demonstrate that climate protection and efficient transport logistics can go hand in hand," said Mercedes-Benz truck chief executive Achim Puchert.
In the initial trial phase, the fuel-cell trucks covered more than 225,000 km in total, with average hydrogen consumption ranging between 5.6 and 8.0 kg per 100 km, depending on use case, and an average combined vehicle weight between 16 and 34 tons.
The NextGenH2 Truck looks outwardly similar to the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 and shares its aerodynamic cabin. The lorry features an integrated electric axle, multimedia cockpit and modern safety assistants.
Daimler Truck said the combination of fuel cell, buffer battery and electric drive axle ensures dynamic power delivery, low noise levels and high recuperation performance when braking or driving downhill.
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