Daimler Truck is accelerating its hydrogen development roadmap with the launch of a second customer trial phase for the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, expanding real-world fuel-cell testing to five new logistics partners across Germany.
The move marks another step toward validating hydrogen as a viable zero-emission option for long-haul transport, particularly for routes and duty cycles where battery-electric trucks face operational limits.
The second trial phase brings Hornbach, Reber Logistik, Teva Germany, Rhenus, and DHL Supply Chain into Daimler Truck’s hydrogen program. Each fleet will progressively introduce a GenH2 truck into its regular operation, focusing on long-distance routes.
The GenH2 Truck is engineered for long-haul operations, with a gross vehicle weight around 40 tons, payload of roughly 25 tons, a 300 kW fuel-cell system, and the use of liquid hydrogen to maximize range and refueling efficiency. In the first trial phase, five GenH2 units collectively logged more than 140,000 miles, with hydrogen consumption ranging from 5.6 to 8.0 kg per 60 miles depending on load and route type.
Daimler Truck plans to start small-series production of about 100 fuel-cell trucks in late 2026, with broader commercialization targeted for the early 2030s as fueling networks scale.
In a parallel advancement of its dual-track decarbonization strategy, Daimler Truck’s battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is now operating in Sweden with WLX WeLink Express on daily routes exceeding 620 miles. The truck consistently delivers approximately 300 miles per charge in full long-haul configuration. Daimler Truck reports that the eActros 600 meets diesel-equivalent durability expectations with an LFP battery designed to retain more than 80% of capacity after about 750,000 miles or 10 years.
