Global Innovators Showcases Battery Solu...
December 18, 2024
Daimler Truck has received €226 million for 100 hydrogen fuel cell trucks, set for delivery by late 2026. The trucks will use liquid hydrogen
Date: November 21, 2024
Leinfelden-Echterdingen/ Germany- The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate approve funding totaling € 226 million for the development, small-series production and customer deployment (operation and maintenance) of 100 fuel cell trucks. The application had been subject to extensive review, also by the European Commission. Dr. Volker Wissing (Federal Minister for Digital and Transport and Federal Minister of Justice) was joined by Daniela Schmitt (State Minister for Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate) and Dr. Andre Baumann (State Secretary at the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector of the State of Baden-Württemberg) in handing over the notice of funding to Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck, at the Daimler Truck Test and Development Center in Wörth am Rhein.
Ms. Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck, said, “The approval of funding for the development and small series production of 100 fuel cell trucks is an important boost for the use of hydrogen in road freight transportation. This funding is therefore a strong signal not only for Daimler Truck but for the entire commercial vehicle industry.”
Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport and Federal Minister of Justice: “Sustainable transportation with hydrogen-powered trucks is already possible today. Daimler Truck is the first European manufacturer to produce a series-production truck that uses liquid hydrogen – and thus provide an important impulse for the commercial use of hydrogen technology in road freight transportation. I am pleased that my ministry is supporting the project together with Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate with a total of € 226 million. With the deployment of the new fuel cell trucks, we are gaining important insights for the future mix of drive technologies enabling sustainable freight transport.”
Ms. Daniela Schmitt, State Minister for Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, said “Today is a good day for the future of the Wörth plant, a good day for Rhineland-Palatinate as a hub for industry and innovation and a good day for the international competitiveness of the commercial vehicle industry in Southwest Germany. The development and production of 100 fuel cell trucks is an impulse for the future of the commercial vehicle industry here from Wörth to the world.”
Dr. Andre Baumann, State Secretary at the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector, said, “Together we can achieve great things, together we can advance climate protection: I am pleased that this extensive IPCEI project has materialized and will drive forward the ramp up of hydrogen also in the important sector of heavy-duty transportation. The federal state of Baden-Württemberg is pleased to participate in the funding of this innovative project with up to € 50 million.”
On the path to decarbonize transportation with hydrogen-powered trucks, Daimler Truck had filed an application for funding in 2021 for the development of fuel cell trucks and small series customer deployment in long-distance transportation. Daimler Truck will now receive around two thirds of the total eligible amount put forward in the IPCEI-funding application. Daimler Truck will continue to carry a significant part of the total investment in the development of fuel cell trucks on its own.
The EU's IPCEI Hydrogen program will fund Daimler Truck’s development of hydrogen-powered vehicles, covering both vehicle development and production activities. The funding will support feasibility studies and investments in production facilities for series production. Key components will be assembled at German sites: Kassel (electric drive axle), Mannheim (“Tech Tower”), and Gaggenau (fuel cells). Final assembly will occur at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, with trucks expected to be operational by late 2026.
The European Commission highlighted the unique deployment of liquid hydrogen in Daimler Truck's project, noting its higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, which increases range and performance to match diesel trucks. Liquid hydrogen tanks also offer cost and weight advantages, enabling higher payloads. In September 2023, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck completed a #HydrogenRecordRun, covering 1,047 km on one tank. Since 2022, Daimler Truck has built prototypes, and five trucks are already in customer trials on specific routes in Germany, refueled at liquid hydrogen stations in Wörth and Duisburg, demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen-fueled transportation.
Daimler Truck plans to deliver 100 IPCEI-funded fuel cell trucks starting in late 2026, but success in sustainable transportation requires global refueling infrastructure and a competitive supply of green liquid hydrogen. Daimler Truck is committed to the Paris Climate Protection Agreement, aiming for CO2-neutral vehicles by 2039 in core markets (Europe, USA, Japan). Battery-electric trucks are ideal for distribution and some long-haul routes, while fuel cell trucks offer better flexibility for demanding heavy-duty transport. Both technologies, along with improved infrastructure and green electricity, are key to achieving CO2-neutral transportation.
