Hydrogen trucks, Mercedes plans small series production of the NextGen H2 by the end of 2026
A hundred vehicles are set to be deployed in customer operations from the end of 2026 onwards. Technically speaking, 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. Series production of fuel cell trucks remains targeted for the early 2030s.
The Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck is expected to go into small series production by the end of 2026. Indeed, 100 vehicles are set to be deployed in customer operations from the end of 2026 onwards. “The fuel cell truck represents another development milestone for Daimler Truck on the path to sustainable transportation powered by hydrogen”, stated the truck maker.
Technically speaking, liquid hydrogen enables ranges well over 1,000 kilometers on a single tank filling at full load. The proven cellcentric BZA150 fuel cell converts hydrogen into electrical energy on board. Similarly to the battery-electric eActros 600, key upgrades include proven series components, such as the latest generation of the integrated e-axle, the aerodynamically optimized ProCabin.
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 compared to the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, so that a total of up to 85 kg of hydrogen can now be filled.
Mercedes NextGen H2: focus on the truck fuel cell system
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. Over years of intensive testing, the hydrogen-powered drive concept has impressed with its reliability and efficiency under real-world conditions. In early customer trials with the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, hydrogen consumption, for example, averaged between 5.6 kg/100 km and 8 kg/100 km, with gross combined vehicle weights ranging between 16 and 34 tonnes.
Also, 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 4-speed transmission (including two reverse gears) for optimal power delivery at all times.
Last year, Daimler Truck tested prototypes of the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 Truck under extreme conditions in the Swiss Alps — both during winter and summer trials — ensuring reliability under demanding operational scenarios. Insights gained from these tests are being incorporated directly into further development. The development, production, and practical deployment of the NextGenH2 Trucks scheduled from the end of 2026 is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg with in total €226 million. Series production of fuel cell trucks remains targeted for the early 2030s.
