Daimler has presented its second-generation hydrogen prototype truck, the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2. It succeeds the previous iteration, unveiled in 2020, with components taken from the eActros 600 to improve efficiency, while keeping the same liquid hydrogen-based architecture.

The Mercedes GenH2 was first unveiled in 2020, using liquid hydrogen rather than high-pressure gaseous H2 to increase energy density and transport ease. It started testing in 2021 and set a record of 1,047 km on a single refill in 2023. A year later, five GenH2 trucks were produced for customer trials with major customers like Air Products and Amazon.

Next generation with the latest eActros technology

Now, the second generation is ready. It’s called the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 and looks strikingly similar to the eActros 600. That’s no coincidence: the new-look ProCabin improves aerodynamics by 9 percent, thus improving overall efficiency.

And that’s not where the similarities end. The NextGenH2 also features the eActros 600’s integrated e-axle, Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, and the latest E/E architecture, which includes advanced safety systems.

Larger hydrogen tanks increase range beyond 1,000 km

But more hydrogen-specific improvements have also been made. The capacity of the two connected liquid hydrogen tanks has been increased to 85 kg (from 80 kg), with fill ports on both sides for ease of use. Refueling takes about 10 to 15 minutes, comparable to diesel trucks, and the range is over 1,000 km.

The Tech Tower behind the cab has also been revised to be more compact, shortening the wheelbase to 4,000 mm from 4,150 mm to improve compatibility with more trailer combinations. A new sensor system to detect hydrogen leaks enables overnight sleep in the truck, while a newly designed side panel improves protection of the hydrogen tanks.

The fuel cell units themselves remain the same: two 150 kW units from the Daimler and Volvo Group joint venture Cellcentric, for a total of 300 kW, with a 101 kWh buffer battery that can also recuperate braking energy. A 370 kW (503 hp) electric motor powers the wheels via a 4-speed transmission with two reverse gears.

100 units set for customer operations from this year

All of these improvements make for a vastly more usable truck in day-to-day operations, and that’s exactly what Daimler Truck is planning to do. From the end of 2026, 100 Mercedes NextGenH2 are set to be deployed in customer operations to develop the technology in preparation for the series production of fuel cell trucks by the early 2030s.

Achim Puchert, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “In addition to battery-electric solutions, hydrogen-based drives are crucial for the sustainable transformation of our industry.

With the NextGenH2 Truck, we are taking the next technological step in fuel cell trucks. Together with our customers, we aim to introduce the small series with a high range and near production-ready technology into daily transport operations from the end of 2026.”

But Daimler is not carrying the cost of this small-series production run on its own. The development, production, and practical deployment of the NextGenH2 Trucks, scheduled for the end of 2026, are supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg, with a total of €226 million.