Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck proves readiness in first customer trials with over 225,000 km driven on hydrogen

Fünfeinhalbmal um die Welt: Daimler Truck Brennstoffzellen-Lkw absolvieren erfolgreich über 225.000 Kilometer im realen Kundeneinsatz
Five and a Half Times Around the World: Daimler Truck Fuel Cell Trucks Successfully Complete More Than 225,000 Kilometers in Real-World Customer Operations

(IN BRIEF) Daimler Truck has concluded the first year of customer trials for the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, with five prototypes covering more than 225,000 kilometers across Germany in operations with Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS Inovyn, and Wiedmann & Winz. The trucks achieved ranges of over 1,000 kilometers, average hydrogen consumption of 5.6 to 8 kg/100 km, and refueling times of 10–15 minutes. Customers praised reliability, efficiency, and driver comfort, confirming the trucks’ practicality compared to diesel vehicles. With 285 refuelings and 15 tons of liquid hydrogen consumed, the trials also provided valuable insights into fueling and service processes. Daimler Truck will extend trials in late 2025 with more partners and plans to begin small-series production of 100 next-generation fuel cell trucks in 2026, ahead of large-scale deployment in the early 2030s.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN, 4-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler Truck has completed the first year of customer trials for its fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, confirming the vehicle’s performance and practicality under everyday operating conditions. Since July 2024, five prototype vehicles have been deployed with Air Products, Amazon, Holcim, INEOS Inovyn, and Wiedmann & Winz, collectively covering more than 225,000 kilometers – equivalent to five circumnavigations of the globe.

The results highlight the potential of hydrogen-powered trucks to meet the demands of modern logistics. During the trials, the trucks achieved an average hydrogen consumption of between 5.6 kg/100 km and 8 kg/100 km, depending on application, at gross vehicle weights between 16 and 34 tons. Across 285 refueling operations in Woerth am Rhein and Duisburg, drivers filled a total of 15 tons of liquid hydrogen (sLH2), enabling ranges of more than 1,000 kilometers per tank with refueling times of just 10 to 15 minutes.

Michael Scheib, Head of Entire Vehicle Development at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “By integrating GenH2 Trucks into real logistics operations, we have demonstrated their efficiency and reliability in multiple transport applications while gaining critical insights to refine the technology toward series production. The feedback from customers and intensive use of refueling stations also help us to optimize service readiness and fueling processes.”

Customer feedback underscores everyday usability
Each of the five logistics partners tested the GenH2 Truck in different use cases. Amazon deployed it on a dedicated route within its logistics network, Air Products used it for gas deliveries, Holcim integrated it into construction material logistics, Wiedmann & Winz transported sea containers in combined transport, and INEOS Inovyn’s partner VERVAEKE used it for chemical deliveries. Customers consistently highlighted the trucks’ long range, reliability, fast refueling, and driver comfort as key advantages that made the vehicles comparable to diesel-powered trucks in daily use.

Executives from partner companies noted the maturity of the technology, the reliability of operations, and the smooth collaboration with Daimler Truck’s service teams. Drivers particularly praised the quiet operation, dynamic power delivery, and comfort in long-distance applications.

Preparing for series production
Daimler Truck supported the trials with specialized service training at branches in Haan and Stuttgart-Feuerbach, ensuring maintenance and repairs could be carried out by certified staff. Dedicated Key Account Managers provided 24/7 technical support. These experiences are helping prepare the after-sales network for the deployment of the next generation of fuel cell trucks.

Looking ahead, Daimler Truck plans to launch a second phase of trials in Q4 2025 with five additional customers, expanding the range of use cases. In parallel, development has already started on the next generation of GenH2 Trucks, with 100 small-series vehicles scheduled for assembly at the Woerth plant and deployment to customers from late 2026.

Daimler Truck continues to pursue a dual-track strategy combining battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks for the decarbonization of transport. While the large-scale rollout of hydrogen trucks is expected in the early 2030s due to the need for expanded refueling infrastructure, the successful trial confirms that fuel cell technology is already a practical and scalable option for zero-emission long-haul transport.

Media Contact:

Paul Mandaiker
Spokesperson Technology & Regulations
paul.mandaiker​@daimlertruck.com
+49 176 30999267

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG