Frost and the Alps: Daimler Truck tests a new generation of hydrogen trucks in the mountains
Prototypes of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz GenH2 trucks were put through their paces in the Alps during a winter test, tackling steep ascents and descents in freezing temperatures. The test runs were carried out for 14 days on the Simplon Pass in Switzerland.
Here's What We Know
The two 40-tonne trucks underwent an extensive test programme. They covered a total of 6,500 kilometres and crossed mountain roads with a total climb of 83,000 metres. Particularly challenging were the uphill and downhill sections of about 20 kilometres with gradients of 10 to 12 per cent. The fuel cell vehicles were refuelled using an Air Products mobile hydrogen refuelling station installed at the test base in Valais.
The tests focused on verifying the interaction of the fuel cell system, the high-voltage battery, the electric motor and the thermal management system. The aim is to achieve the most efficient use of energy during driving and during regeneration on descents.
The small series is part of a large-scale test of fuel cell trucks
Daimler Truck has received €226 million from the German federal government and the states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The funds are earmarked for the development, small-scale production and testing of 100 hydrogen trucks. The project is part of the European Union's IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) Hydrogen programme.
Final assembly of the next-generation fuel cell trucks is to take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Werth. Customers are expected to start using such vehicles at the end of 2026.
Source: Daimler Truck
