Recently, Daimler Trucks successfully completed a demonstration operation of its carbon-neutral truck developed in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps at an altitude of 1,560 meters. Vehicles participating in the demonstration included two models based on the prototype of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 hydrogen fuel cell truck and the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 pure electric tractor for distribution transportation at near-production level. With these vehicles, Daimler Trucks is proving that trucks with two carbon-neutral technologies, hydrogen fuel and pure electric, can well cover the needs of different segments of customers. To achieve this, the company has developed a clear strategic direction and continues to promote a dual-track strategy of pure electric and hydrogen fuel in terms of its electrification portfolio.
Dr. Dalibor Dudic, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Vehicle Project, said: "Hydrogen- and battery-based drive systems are essential to ensure the future of emission-free transport. In distribution transport, the all-electric eActros is already in use by many customers across Europe. For the eActros LongHaul, which satisfies long-distance transportation, it is in the sprint stage of mass production. After 2025, GenH2 trucks with fuel cells will also be used in more challenging applications. Our demonstrations in Tyrol have proven that both new energy drive technologies can perform their different roles reliably and efficiently. "
Fuel cell trucks favor liquid hydrogen technology
Daimler Trucks tested two models it built on the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 prototype in Tyrol. For several days, a truck powered by liquid hydrogen drove the 70-kilometer line between Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass. With around 2.5 million trucks crossing the border each year, the Brenner Pass is one of the main arteries of freight transport in Europe. The total weight of the test vehicle train combination was 40 tons.
Meanwhile, another prototype GenH2 truck powered by gaseous hydrogen traveled 40 kilometers on a 40-kilometer line between Innsbruck and Axamer Lizum at an altitude of 1,560 meters to demonstrate and validate how fuel cell trucks perform at different altitudes and demanding terrain. The test vehicle was filled with hydrogen at an in-house hydrogen refueling station operated by Austrian food company MPREIS. At its company headquarters in Vols, MPREIS uses its own electrolysis facility to produce green hydrogen directly from renewable energy sources and supply it to Daimler Trucks for testing and demonstration operation.
In the development of hydrogen drive technology, Daimler trucks prefer liquid hydrogen. In the aggregated state, liquid hydrogen has a higher energy density than gaseous hydrogen. As a result, vehicles can carry more hydrogen, which significantly increases range and puts vehicle performance on par with traditional diesel trucks.
The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck was developed with a range of 1,000 km and more, which makes the truck suitable for more flexible and demanding applications, especially in the important area of heavy long-distance transportation. Mass production of Daimler's hydrogen trucks is scheduled to begin after 2025.
The two pure electric trucks will be mass-produced this year and next
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 tractor completed practical tests of fixed lines in and around Innsbruck. Taking into account the maximum allowable total length regulation for tractor/trailer combinations, the vehicle is compatible with all common European semi-trailers. The electric semi-trailer is based on the same technology as the eActros 300/400. The vehicle uses three battery packs, each with a capacity of 112 kWh, which can last 220 kilometers on a single charge. The eActros 300 tractor can charge up to 160 kW: three battery packs, charged at a standard DC fast charging station at 400 amps, from 20% to 80% in about an hour. As part of production tests, the electric truck successfully crossed the Alberg Pass in Austria last year, with some tests taking place above 1,800 meters above sea level. Mass production of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 is scheduled to begin this fall.
The eActros LongHaul, a fully electric truck positioned for long-distance transportation, will begin mass production in 2024. The eActros LongHaul has a range of approximately 500 kilometers on a single charge, uses lithium iron phosphate battery technology (LFP), and is characterized by a longer service life. The mass-produced eActros LongHaul can charge from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes at an ultra-high voltage charging station with an output of about 1 MW.
Adhere to the dual-track strategy of hydrogen fuel and pure electric vehicles
Daimler Trucks, one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, has committed to the Paris Climate Agreement. The goal is to sell all new vehicles in its global core markets (EU30, the United States, and Japan) by 2039 that are powered by carbon-neutral technology.
On scheduleable routes at appropriate distances and with well-equipped charging facilities, pure electric trucks are ideal for urban distribution and long-distance transport. For very flexible and demanding use cases in heavy and long-haul transportation, hydrogen fuel cell technology may be a better solution. In addition, a sound infrastructure and sufficient green electricity are essential for the successful transition of commercial vehicles to zero-emission technologies. Daimler Trucks is convinced that only by using these two technologies can the new energy market demand be quickly satisfied under cost-optimized conditions.