Daimler hydrogen trucks will be driving on German roads in 2024
January 22, 2024The automaker’s GenH2 big rigs will start being used in Germany by this summer.
Daimler recently unveiled its GenH2 hydrogen trucks, which will operate on liquid H2 to power an electric motor. The automaker recently announced that those vehicles will start being used in Germany by the middle of this year.
The company is already negotiating with a number of businesses operating their fleets in Germany.
Daimler’s GenH2 hydrogen trucks have been successfully tested in prototype form on a track in Germany as well as on public roads in the country. The early road tests showed the company that when fully loaded, the GenH2 was able to haul about 25 tons for over 1,000 on one full tank of liquid H2.
The GenH2 Truck’s propulsion system delivers 300 kilowatts, according to Daimler’s own claims. Moreover, it is also equipped with a battery that can provide short bursts of an additional 400 kilowatts for purposes such as climbing hills or when rapid acceleration is needed.
These hydrogen trucks are designed for power and range and are the result of a strong collaboration.
The battery has a 70-kilowatt-hour storage capacity. Though this may not sound like very much, it is adequate for using the kinetic energy the vehicle’s regenerative braking converts to electric charge.
Credit: Photo by depositphotos.com
Daimler worked with Air Liquide and Linde as suppliers for the H2 refueling services needed to operate the vehicle. Moreover, the automaker is also using H2 in its liquid form through some of the most advanced storage technologies in order to benefit from the advantages of using the liquid instead of pressurized gas, which is more commonly used.
Liquefied H2
When H2 is used as a liquid, more of energy can be transported per unit of volume when compared with what is available from H2 in its room temperature gaseous state. With a much higher energy density, it means that hydrogen trucks require smaller tanks while still achieving the same range or greater. By boosting the space savings and energy density, the vehicles have room for a larger payload.
The liquid H2 is available at special filling stations in Wörth am Rhein and in the Duisburg area in Germany, where it is kept at -253ºC.
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Impressive technology! Hopefully, the EU will adopt a hydrogen fueling station design and refueling method that is best for its use throughout Europe and perhaps the world. Hydrogen will become very abundant in the future and refueling trucks and automobiles will need to be easy, economical, and most importantly available to all countries worldwide. Similar to using and adopting a single EV charging standard worldwide.
24JAN.2024
Re: Daimler Hydrogen trucks will be driving on German roads in 2024
Informative that Mr. John Max’s article features liquid H2.
Just a cursory look during the lunch hour; forwarded to another article by Willy Jones.
Among the two articles I did not observe that an average range was stated, assuming a minimal trailer-transport load. Further, it is noted that the number of re-fuel facilities is three: two stationary, one mobile.
Additionally, I would be interested to know if anyone in the H2 industry is designing a “power-pack” unit for a double-decker passenger, four coach train set (H2 powered (converted) diesel prime-mover with fuel cells) with driver controls at each end.
Why a double-decker design? Plans are on-going here in Florida to start a rail service that feature station platform lengths of no more than 152.41m (500 ft).
Range: each train would need to make at least ten (96.3
mile – 155km) round-trips per day, plus additional distance to a fuel depot located near Lake Okeechobee, FL.
Perhaps information is available beyond the experimental, H2 plus battery train in northern Germany?
Stunning Daimler Gen-H2 technology…What combustion cycle does the
H2 electrolyzer pump run on (Otto/Diesel)? Does Bosch have its
Electric Motor Magic in the hybrid drive system?…Does a full liquid H2
fuel tank provide 1,000 (kilometer or mile) range?…
Planet Earth is ready to have the Daimler Gen-H2 become the Main Link
for the Supply Chain…It could have more units on the World Highways than
Luxury Road Coaches…Great Fueling System by Air Liquide & Linde…
Leonardo & Albert would be pleased…(edit at your pleasure_H2 Rocks!!)