Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer Unveil Hydrogen Combustion Engine Prototypes

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer Unveil Hydrogen Combustion Engine Prototypes

(IN BRIEF) Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer have unveiled two hydrogen combustion engine prototypes developed under the “WaVe” project. The Unimog and crawler vehicles have undergone extensive testing, demonstrating the practicality and low emissions of hydrogen combustion engines. The project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, highlights the potential of hydrogen technology to replace conventional diesel engines in high-power work machines.

(PRESS RELEASE) FÜRSTENZELL/WÕRTH AM RHEIN, 23-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer Baumaschinen Vertriebs GmbH have successfully developed and tested two vehicle prototypes featuring hydrogen combustion engines. These prototypes, part of the “WaVe” project, were presented after two years of development and rigorous testing in various operational conditions.

Breakthrough in Hydrogen Combustion Technology

The “WaVe” project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, saw the collaboration of 18 industry and academic partners. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer have demonstrated that hydrogen combustion engines can be used similarly to traditional diesel engines, requiring only minor modifications. This innovation could significantly reduce emissions for work machines with high power requirements.

Successful Testing and Performance

The Unimog test vehicle and crawler have been operational for over a year and have undergone extensive testing. The vehicles were showcased at Mörtlbauer’s factory in Fürstenzell, Bavaria, demonstrating their capabilities in driving, working, and refueling operations. The Unimog implement carrier and crawler were refueled with gaseous hydrogen and performed various tasks, proving the practicality and low emissions of hydrogen combustion engines.

Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, stated, “After numerous test deployments, emission measurements, and technical fine-tuning, we are convinced that hydrogen combustion for work machines with high power requirements is worthwhile, practical, and very low in emissions.”

Collaborative Success and Future Potential

Armin Mörtlbauer, Managing Director of Mörtlbauer Baumaschinen Vertriebs GmbH, emphasized the successful partnership and the readiness to move forward with hydrogen combustion technology. “The outstanding cooperation in this research partnership has given us the experience and data needed to apply this technology in series production. If the government and society choose to follow the path toward hydrogen combustion engines, we are ready.”

Technical Details and Innovations

The Unimog and crawler are equipped with medium-duty engines specially converted for hydrogen propulsion, featuring customized pistons, a hydrogen-compatible intake system, and an optimized ignition system. The engines produce water as a byproduct, discharged as hot steam. The Unimog’s four high-pressure tanks hold around 13 kilograms of hydrogen, delivering approximately 290 hp, comparable to a 300 hp diesel engine. The crawler has similar output and a bed capacity of 16 cubic meters, with a payload of 30 metric tonnes.

Project Overview

The “WaVe” project, initiated in July 2021, aimed to develop a hydrogen-based drive system for working machines to replace conventional diesel engines. The project’s success demonstrates that hydrogen-powered vehicles can perform similarly to diesel engines with only minor drivetrain modifications, paving the way for more sustainable and low-emission heavy-duty transport solutions.

For more information on this innovative project, visit the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer websites.

Media Contacts:

ULRIKE BURKHART
Spokesperson Mercedes Benz Trucks Product, Service & eTruck
ulrike.burkhart​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 861 3757

LUKAS HETTMANNSPERGER
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
lukas.hettmannsperger​@daimlertruck.com
+49 170 3871112

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG