In a small-series production run at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, 100 units of these further developed semi-trailer tractors will be manufactured and deployed with various customers from the end of 2026 onwards.
The engineering team retained the proven strengths of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in the development of the new model.
Key upgrades include proven series components from the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, such as the latest generation of the integrated e-axle, the aerodynamically optimised ProCabin, the modern Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, and cutting-edge safety and assistance systems based on the current E/E architecture.
Liquid hydrogen enables ranges well over 1,000 kilometres
In the development of hydrogen-based drives, Daimler Truck prefers the use of liquid hydrogen. At -253 degrees Celsius, liquid hydrogen has a significantly higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen, allowing more hydrogen to be stored, substantially increasing range and delivering performance comparable to conventional diesel trucks. The capacity of the two liquid hydrogen tanks has been increased, so that a total of up to 85 kg of hydrogen can now be filled. Refuelling is possible from both sides as both tanks are connected. Using the sLH2 refuelling standard developed by Daimler Truck and Linde, the truck can be filled with liquid hydrogen within 10–15 minutes.
Transporting liquid hydrogen requires less logistical effort, and liquid hydrogen tanks offer cost and weight advantages over gaseous high-pressure tanks. These benefits enable higher payloads, making deployments comparable with today’s diesel trucks.
Reliable and efficient fuel cell technology
The BZA150 fuel cell from cellcentric – a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group – remains the heart of the NextGenH2 Truck’s drive system. Two fuel cell units operate as a twin system with a total system output of 300 kW (150 kW each) and are space-savingly integrated in the engine compartment beneath the cab.
In operation, the fuel cell generates electrical energy through the reaction between hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). Together with a buffer battery, this powers the electric motors integrated into the e-axle, delivering strong propulsion. The only emission from this process is pure water vapor.
Series components deliver a technological leap
The NextGenH2 Truck offers a high-level driving experience, on par with its battery-electric counterpart, the eActros 600. Dynamic power delivery thanks to instantly available high torque, smooth and comfortable handling, and low in-cabin and exterior noise are well-known advantages that the fuel cell truck, as an electrically powered vehicle using hydrogen as its energy source, can fully exploit. Even in demanding driving situations such as steep gradients or high payloads, the truck delivers up to 340 kW in Economy Mode and up to 370 kW in Power Mode.
At the heart of the energy storage system is a high-voltage battery developed by Daimler Truck with an installed capacity of 101 kWh. This lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery serves as a buffer for the fuel cell and stores energy during recuperation. The NextGenH2 Truck uses the same efficient in-house-developed electric drive axle as used in the eActros 600, with a four-speed transmission (including two reverse gears) for optimal power delivery at all times.
Together, these components enable highly efficient energy recuperation when driving downhill or during braking, feeding regenerated electricity directly back into the buffer battery – noticeably extending overall range and improving consumption.
The high-voltage components and the latest E/E architecture are also carried over from the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. Thus, the NextGenH2 Truck features the latest advanced safety systems such as Active Brake Assist 6, Front Guard Assist, and Active Sideguard Assist 2, as well as compliance with current cybersecurity standards.
Innovative Solutions Enhance Customer Usability
Thanks to an innovative and space-saving arrangement of components in the Tech Tower behind the cab, this area is now significantly more compact. As a result, the wheelbase has been shortened by 150 mm compared to the previous model to 4,000 mm. This increases customer flexibility by enabling compatibility with various trailer combinations and a wide range of standard trailers within EU length regulations.
The Tech Tower also houses a new boil-off management system that meets all regulatory requirements for handling hydrogen, including parking the vehicle in enclosed spaces. An integrated cooling system ensures consistently stable operating conditions even at very high ambient temperatures or demanding terrain.
A new sensor system, which responds to the highly unlikely event of hydrogen leakage, now allows overnight stays in the truck’s two standard beds fitted in the cab.
Additionally, a newly designed side panel with integrated crash elements provides improved protection of the liquid hydrogen tanks in the event of an accident. The aerodynamically improved panel features practical tread plates, improving both safety and accessibility while reducing aerodynamic drag.
