The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), alongside the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, has approved €226 million in funding for Daimler Truck. The funding will support the development, small-series production, and operational deployment of 100 fuel cell trucks, marking a significant milestone in hydrogen-powered freight transportation. The application underwent extensive review, including an evaluation by the European Commission, before approval.
At an event held at the Daimler Truck Test and Development Center in Wörth am Rhein, the funding notice was presented to Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström by Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing, Rhineland-Palatinate State Minister Daniela Schmitt, and Baden-Württemberg State Secretary Dr. Andre Baumann.
Boosting Hydrogen Innovation in Freight
Karin Rådström highlighted the importance of the funding:
“This approval is a significant boost for the use of hydrogen in road freight transportation, signaling a transformative step for both Daimler Truck and the commercial vehicle industry.”
Dr. Volker Wissing emphasized the project’s impact:
“Daimler Truck is leading Europe with series-production trucks powered by liquid hydrogen, showcasing the viability of hydrogen for sustainable freight transport. This initiative not only advances decarbonization but also strengthens Germany’s leadership in innovative transportation technologies.”
Investment in Hydrogen Technology
The funding, provided under the European Union’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Hydrogen program, will cover vehicle development, production processes, and feasibility studies for hydrogen value chains. Daimler Truck will shoulder a significant share of the total investment, with German production sites like Kassel, Mannheim, Esslingen, and Gaggenau playing pivotal roles.
Final assembly will occur at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth am Rhein, with customer operations for the 100 trucks slated to begin by late 2026.
Advancing Liquid Hydrogen Technology
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, powered by liquid hydrogen, offers a range of over 1,000 kilometers, matching diesel truck performance. Liquid hydrogen, with its higher energy density and lighter tank systems, allows for greater payloads and reduced refueling needs compared to gaseous hydrogen. In September 2023, the GenH2 Truck successfully demonstrated its capabilities, covering 1,047 kilometers on a single tank during the #HydrogenRecordRun.
Preparing for the Future
Daimler Truck has already built prototypes and initiated customer trials with five trucks operating on designated routes in Germany, supported by liquid hydrogen refueling stations in Wörth am Rhein and Duisburg. These efforts aim to prove the feasibility of hydrogen-powered freight.
Commitment to Decarbonization
Daimler Truck remains committed to achieving CO2-neutral operations across its core markets by 2039, in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. The company is pursuing a dual-track strategy, advancing both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric vehicles to address varying transportation needs.
For the successful transition to sustainable freight transport, Daimler Truck emphasizes the urgency of developing an international hydrogen refueling infrastructure and ensuring access to cost-competitive green liquid hydrogen.
This initiative underscores Daimler Truck’s role in driving innovation and sustainability in the global transportation industry.
