Mercedes tests its first prototypes of next-generation fuel cell trucks

Daimler Truck has taken an important step in the development of the next generation of Mercedes fuel cell trucks.

Two Mercedes GenH2 trucks underwent rigorous winter testing at the Simplon pass in the Swiss canton of Valais. The challenging conditions of cold, snow, and steep gradients allowed for assessing the performance of liquid hydrogen vehicles in extreme situations.

“The Simplon pass route, reaching over 2,000 meters with a 600-meter ascent, provided ideal conditions to test the interaction of fuel cell systems with other enhanced components,” says Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, product engineering manager at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “The results confirm the reliability and potential of the GenH2 trucks even in demanding environments.”

The future of hydrogen-powered road transport?

During testing, all key components were analyzed, including the fuel cell, high-voltage battery, electric axle, tank system, and thermal management. Special emphasis was placed on optimizing energy through the Predictive Powertrain Controls system, which manages propulsion and energy recovery based on topography.

The two hydrogen trucks covered a total of 6,500 kilometers, with a cumulative elevation gain of 83,000 meters, over a period of 14 days. Prolonged ascents and descents, reaching slopes of up to 12%, tested the vehicles’ limits. A mobile refueling station by Air Products was installed to secure hydrogen supply.

This project is part of a broader program supported by €226 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and several regional states. The support aims to develop, produce, and deploy 100 fuel cell trucks, scheduled to be assembled at Mercedes-Benz’s Wörth plant. Their deployment to various customers is expected by the end of 2026.

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