Daimler Truck presents Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany- Daimler Truck AG., has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck, marking a major step forward in hydrogen-powered long-haul transport. As part of a small-series production program, 100 units of the near-production-ready fuel cell semi-trailer tractor will be manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth and deployed with selected customers from the end of 2026.

Mr. Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said, “Alongside battery-electric solutions, hydrogen-based drivetrains are essential for the sustainable transformation of road transport. With the NextGenH2 Truck, we are advancing fuel cell technology to the next level. Together with our customers, we aim to validate this high-range, near-series vehicle in real-world long-haul operations from the end of 2026.”

The NextGenH2 Truck builds on the strengths of the first-generation GenH2 Truck while integrating multiple technological upgrades. Central to the vehicle is the cellcentric BZA150 fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen into electrical energy onboard. Liquid hydrogen storage enables ranges of well over 1,000 kilometers on a single fill, even at full payload making the truck suitable for demanding long-haul applications.

Key components from Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ series-production electric vehicles have been adopted, including the latest-generation e-axle, the aerodynamically optimized ProCabin, the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, and advanced safety and assistance systems based on the newest E/E architecture. These enhancements deliver a significant leap in efficiency, comfort, and operational readiness.

Daimler Truck continues to prioritize liquid hydrogen (LH₂) for fuel cell trucks due to its high energy density. Stored at –253°C, liquid hydrogen allows more energy to be carried onboard compared to gaseous hydrogen, supporting diesel-comparable performance and range.

The NextGenH2 Truck features two enlarged liquid hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of up to 85 kg. Both tanks are interconnected and can be refueled from either side. Using the sLH₂ refueling standard developed with Linde, refueling takes just 10 to 15 minutes, offering a process as fast and straightforward as conventional diesel refueling.

Liquid hydrogen also reduces logistical complexity and provides weight and cost advantages over high-pressure gaseous systems, enabling higher payloads. Daimler Truck demonstrated these capabilities during the #HydrogenRecordRun in late 2023, when a GenH2 Truck covered 1,047 km with a gross combination weight of approximately 40 tonnes on a single fill.

The NextGenH2 Truck is powered by a twin fuel cell system, delivering a combined output of 300 kW (150 kW per unit). The compact system is integrated beneath the cab and works in combination with a 101 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) high-voltage battery, which acts as a buffer and stores energy recovered during braking and downhill driving.

Electric motors integrated into the e-axle provide strong, responsive propulsion. Depending on driving mode, the truck delivers up to 340 kW in Economy Mode and 370 kW in Power Mode, ensuring confident performance even under high loads or steep gradients. The only byproduct of the fuel cell process is water vapor, enabling fully CO₂-free driving at the vehicle level.

The adoption of series-production components enhances maturity and reliability. The ProCabin, already used in the Actros L and eActros 600, improves aerodynamics, delivering a nine percent reduction in drag compared to the previous cab design. The same in-house-developed 4-speed electric drive axle used in the eActros 600 ensures optimal efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions.

The NextGenH2 Truck also benefits from the latest safety and assistance technologies, including Active Brake Assist 6, Front Guard Assist, and Active Sideguard Assist 2, along with full compliance with current cybersecurity standards.

Insights gained from early customer trials of the GenH2 Truck have directly influenced the new model’s design. A more compact Tech Tower behind the cab has reduced the wheelbase by 150 mm to 4,000 mm, improving maneuverability and compatibility with a wide range of standard EU trailers.

The Tech Tower also integrates an advanced boil-off management system, enabling safe parking in enclosed spaces, and a robust cooling system that maintains stable operation in extreme temperatures and demanding terrain. Enhanced hydrogen safety systems now allow overnight stays in the cab, which is equipped with two standard beds significantly improving long-haul driver comfort.

Additional safety improvements include redesigned side panels with integrated crash structures to protect the liquid hydrogen tanks. These panels also feature tread plates for safer access while contributing to improved aerodynamics.

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