Second Phase of Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck Testing Begins as Fleet Operators Trial Fuel-Cell Technology in Daily Operations

Fuel-cell trucks in real-life operations: Daimler Truck enters second trial phase with five additional partners

(IN BRIEF) Daimler Truck has begun the second phase of customer testing for its Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, partnering with Hornbach, Reber Logistik, Teva Germany, Rhenus, and DHL Supply Chain to operate fuel-cell trucks on real logistics routes for about a year. The expanded trials aim to gather additional operational data across a range of industries, building on insights from the first test phase and helping Daimler Truck refine the technology ahead of series production. Each company will use the trucks under real-world conditions, from temperature-controlled pharmaceutical distribution to recyclable-materials transport and general long-distance haulage. The GenH2 Truck, which runs on liquid hydrogen and offers performance similar to modern diesel long-haul trucks, demonstrated promising results in earlier trials, covering more than 225,000 km. Daimler Truck is also preparing for small-series production of 100 units from late 2026 while continuing to advocate for faster development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure as part of its dual strategy combining battery-electric and hydrogen-powered transport solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN, 13-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler Truck is moving into the next major stage of its hydrogen truck development program, launching the second phase of customer trials for the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck with five new logistics partners: Hornbach, Reber Logistik, Teva Germany with its brand ratiopharm, Rhenus, and DHL Supply Chain. Each company will operate a GenH2 Truck on its regular transport routes across Germany, providing Daimler Truck with real-world performance data that will support preparations for series production as well as the refinement of service and sales structures surrounding fuel-cell trucks.

After completing the initial test phase, the manufacturer is now broadening the scope of its trials to include additional industries and use cases. The new partners will deploy the GenH2 Trucks for approximately one year, generating practical operational insights from temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics to general cargo flows in long-haul, cross-regional operations. These real-world findings will feed directly into Daimler Truck’s product engineering processes and will be instrumental in shaping the rollout of its hydrogen-powered truck strategy.

Michael Scheib, Head of Product Engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, highlighted the importance of close customer involvement:
“We develop the best trucks for our customers by conducting trials with our partners early on. That’s why the next five companies are now testing our hydrogen-powered Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in daily operation. This is another important step on the road to series production – and to CO₂-neutral transport with battery and hydrogen.”

Real-world testing across diverse logistics operations

Each partner will integrate its fuel-cell truck into daily operations under authentic conditions. DHL Supply Chain plans to pair the GenH2 Truck with its fully electric refrigerated trailer to demonstrate a complete zero-carbon solution for chilled and frozen goods across Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. DHL Supply Chain CEO for Germany & Alps, Katrin Hölter, noted that the collaboration shows that sustainable logistics solutions can already work today for even the most temperature-sensitive products.

For HORNBACH, the GenH2 Truck will join its recyclable materials fleet, which has supported the company’s internal circular economy for more than a decade. Andreas Back, representing the company’s waste and recycling management operations, said that testing Daimler Truck’s fuel-cell technology marks another milestone in their long-standing ambition to use innovative drive systems.

Teva Germany, one of the country’s leading pharmaceutical suppliers, will operate the vehicle in national long-haul transport. Managing Director Andreas Burkhardt emphasized the company’s responsibility to advance sustainable fleet solutions while delivering to hospitals, wholesalers and pharmacies throughout Germany.

Reber Logistik expects the trials to provide valuable comparisons with its existing battery-electric truck experience. Managing Director Mirko Kauffeldt said the company would deploy the vehicle primarily around Duisburg and Woerth due to the current availability of liquid hydrogen refueling, which is still limited to those regions.

At Rhenus, the truck will be tested at its Duisburg hub, one of the network’s key logistics nodes. Site Manager Thomas Ippen highlighted the company’s intention to demonstrate that climate-responsible freight transport and operational efficiency can be achieved simultaneously.

Technical profile of the GenH2 Truck

Designed specifically for long-distance heavy-duty transport, the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck uses liquid hydrogen (sLH₂) to achieve high energy density and long operational range. With a gross vehicle weight of about 40 tonnes and a payload capability of roughly 25 tonnes, the truck delivers performance comparable to conventional diesel long-haul vehicles.

Its fuel-cell system provides up to 300 kW of continuous power, assisted by a small buffer battery that smooths out peak-load demands and recuperates braking energy. Refueling is carried out at dedicated liquid-hydrogen stations in Woerth am Rhein and the Duisburg area.

During the initial trial phase, GenH2 Trucks covered more than 225,000 kilometers, consuming between 5.6 and 8.0 kg of hydrogen per 100 km, depending on load and route, with combined vehicle weights ranging between 16 and 34 tonnes.

Toward small-series production

Daimler Truck has already begun developing the next generation of its fuel-cell vehicles. The company plans to build around 100 small-series trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Woerth, with customer deployment expected to begin at the end of 2026.

While Daimler Truck continues to progress on both battery-electric and hydrogen-based solutions, the rollout of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Europe is advancing more slowly than anticipated. As a result, large-scale commercial deployment of hydrogen trucks will take more time, with full industrialization and European-focused series production targeted for the early 2030s.

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

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG