The first further developed prototype of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck has been tested since the end of April. Customer tests of GenH2021 Truck, which started on public roads in 2, will begin in 2023.
Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck AG: “We consistently pursue our technology strategy for the electrification of our trucks. We fit exactly on our schedule. I am delighted that extensive testing has begun for the GenH2 Truck.”
In the transition to electric, Daimler Trucks relies on hydrogen-based fuel cells for flexible and demanding long-distance use. In this way, a range of 1.000 kilometers or more is aimed without refueling. The brand began extensive testing of the new and further developed prototype of the GenH2020 Truck, introduced in 2, at the end of April, marking an important step towards mass production. Daimler Trucks engineers test the fuel cell GenH2 Truck step-by-step down to the last detail. In addition to the standard test procedures within the scope of extremely demanding and extensive tests applied for vehicles and components; The focus is on uninterrupted use, different weather and road conditions, and various driving conditions.
Daimler Trucks envisions testing the GenH2 Truck on public roads before the end of this year, with customer tests scheduled to begin in 2023. Following the tests, the first mass-produced GenH2 Truck is expected to be delivered to customers by 2027.
Martin Daum, Chairman of the Executive Board of Daimler Truck AG and Member of the Executive Board of Daimler AG, in his assessment; “We consistently maintain our technology strategy regarding the electrification of our trucks. We aim to offer our customers the best CO2 neutral trucks based on battery or hydrogen based fuel cells for their intended use. We fully comply with the schedule. I am delighted that extensive testing has begun for the GenH2 Truck.” said.
Daum continued: “The hydrogen-based fuel cell powertrain will be indispensable for the CO2-neutral long-haul trucks of the future. This has also been confirmed by our partners with whom we work to bring the technology into mass production. In addition, commitments by governments across Europe to use hydrogen in road freight transport will also give impetus to this technology. Political support plays an important role in promoting the development of hydrogen infrastructure and ensuring that fuel cell trucks are affordable for our customers.”
1,2 million kilometers of rigorous testing
Daimler Trucks development engineers are designing the GenH2 Truck to provide the same durability as a comparable Mercedes-Benz Actros. This means 1,2 million kilometers of travel, a 10-year lifespan and a total of 25 operating hours. That's why the GenH2 Truck, like every new generation Actros, has to pass extremely rigorous tests. The vehicle covered hundreds of kilometers on the dynamometer in rough handling conditions in just the first few weeks of testing, and was also tested in a wide variety of conditions, such as emergency braking in a track environment or driving on rough terrain.
Completely new vehicle concept with new components
GenH2 Truck, completely new designed; It has components such as the fuel cell system, the electric powertrain and the special cooling unit. The weight and location of these components on the vehicle affect the truck's handling characteristics, and the vibrations caused by the challenging road conditions, which its engineers focused specifically on during testing, expose the fuel cell truck to different forces than in conventional vehicles. In order to obtain comprehensive information on this subject at an early stage and to solve possible problems during the testing phase; The GenH2 prototypes are a 25 tonne vehicle with planned mass production specifications.zamIt is tested with i loaded mass and 40 tons of train weight.
Liquid hydrogen offers many advantages
Daimler Trucks prefers liquid hydrogen as it has a higher energy density compared to gaseous hydrogen in the same storage volume, depending on physical conditions. Accordingly, a fuel cell truck filled with liquid hydrogen can be satisfied with much smaller and lighter tanks thanks to the lower pressure. This means a larger cargo area and a higher payload, while more hydrogen can be stored. All this adds up to range at the end of the day. Therefore, the mass-produced GenH2 Truck, like the equivalent diesel trucks, is well suited for difficult-to-plan long-haul drives and multi-day voyages.
Daimler Trucks experts also continue the development of liquid hydrogen storage technologies. Engineers plan to have the new warehouse system ready for use in prototypes by the end of the year, as the GenH2 Truck continues rigorous testing. The vehicles will only be tested with liquid hydrogen storage systems until mass production. HE IS zamSo far, a gaseous hydrogen storage system will be used as an interim solution in GenH2 Truck's testing. Daimler Trucks will thus demonstrate the technical viability of both types of hydrogen, gaseous and liquid.
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