Daimler Truck Tests Next-Generation Fuel Cell Trucks in the Swiss Alps
Daimler Truck‘s development team has taken a significant step forward in advancing hydrogen-powered mobility by testing the latest prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 fuel cell truck. These next-generation trucks recently underwent a series of rigorous winter tests in the challenging terrain of the Swiss Alps, particularly at the Simplon Pass in the Swiss Canton of Valais. These tests provided Daimler with an opportunity to push the technology to its limits, evaluating its performance in real-world extreme conditions of cold, snow, and steep inclines.
Rigorous Testing Under Extreme Conditions
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck is at the forefront of Daimler Truck’s hydrogen-based transportation solutions, designed for long-haul, zero-emission freight transport. The company deployed two vehicles from the next development stage of the GenH2 Truck to undergo intensive testing in the Swiss Alps. The harsh winter conditions, combined with the region’s steep gradient profiles, created the perfect testing ground for Daimler’s fuel cell trucks.
“For the further development of our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, we are seamlessly building on the experiences of the first prototype generation and are therefore able to test the improved technology under extreme conditions right from the outset,” explained Dr. Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product Engineering. “With a maximum elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level and a climb from 600 meters, the route over the Simplon Pass provided good conditions for testing the interplay of the fuel cell system with other enhanced components. The successful tests have underlined the potential and reliability of the GenH2 Trucks, even under demanding conditions.”
The trial focused on evaluating the performance and reliability of all essential components, including the fuel cell system, high-voltage battery, electric axle, tank system, and thermal management. Special attention was given to Daimler’s Predictive Powertrain Controls system, a topography-dependent cruise control. The goal was to optimize the use of the battery in conjunction with the fuel cell, ensuring efficient energy utilization for propulsion and maximizing energy recuperation when driving downhill.
Key Performance Highlights
During the two-week testing period, Daimler’s hydrogen fuel cell trucks faced an extensive and demanding evaluation process. With a gross vehicle weight of up to 40 tons, the trucks covered an impressive 6,500 kilometers, navigating some of Europe’s most challenging mountain roads. They encountered an accumulated climb of approximately 83,000 meters, including particularly difficult 20-kilometer-long up-and-downhill stretches with gradients ranging between 10 to 12 percent.
Refueling was a crucial component of the test program, and Daimler ensured seamless hydrogen replenishment by utilizing a mobile hydrogen refueling station provided by Air Products. The refueling station was set up at the test base in Valais, enabling efficient and timely refueling of the test vehicles.
A Step Toward Series Production and Real-World Deployment
The latest tests are part of Daimler’s broader efforts to refine and scale its hydrogen fuel cell truck technology for commercial deployment. Last autumn, Daimler Truck received substantial funding from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The funding, totaling €226 million, supports the development, small-scale production, and initial customer deployment of 100 fuel cell trucks.
This funding is part of the European Union’s Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Hydrogen program, aimed at accelerating hydrogen-related innovation across Europe. The project covers various aspects, including vehicle development, feasibility studies related to the hydrogen value chain, and investments in production facilities and processes. This financial support will enable Daimler to prepare for the planned series production of the GenH2 Truck.
Manufacturing and Future Deployment Plans
Daimler has outlined its roadmap for the GenH2 Truck’s final assembly, which will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany. The company anticipates that the trucks will enter commercial operations with selected customers by the end of 2026. The trial phase and the small-series production will allow Daimler to gather crucial operational data, further refining the technology before large-scale production and deployment.
By combining fuel cell technology with liquid hydrogen, Daimler aims to establish a viable alternative to traditional diesel trucks, particularly for long-haul applications where battery-electric solutions may not be the most practical. Liquid hydrogen, compared to gaseous hydrogen, offers greater energy density and enables longer ranges, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty transport.
A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Daimler Truck has made sustainability a core pillar of its strategy, with a strong emphasis on hydrogen-powered transport as a key enabler of carbon-neutral logistics. The successful winter tests in the Swiss Alps demonstrate the company’s commitment to making fuel cell technology a reality for the transportation sector. With the ability to handle extreme conditions, steep inclines, and long-haul distances, the GenH2 Truck represents a promising step toward decarbonizing heavy-duty transport.
As the company continues to refine its fuel cell technology, it remains engaged with industry partners, regulatory bodies, and infrastructure providers to develop a robust hydrogen ecosystem. The ongoing support from governments and the European Union underscores the importance of hydrogen in achieving climate goals and reducing the carbon footprint of the logistics industry.
Daimler Truck’s recent testing of the next-generation GenH2 fuel cell trucks in the Swiss Alps marks an important milestone in the journey toward zero-emission, hydrogen-powered freight transport. By putting these vehicles through demanding real-world conditions, the company has gathered valuable insights that will contribute to further improvements and refinements of the technology. With ongoing funding, dedicated research, and a clear roadmap toward series production, Daimler Truck is paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future in commercial trucking.
