Next generation GenH2 for small series production

Hydrogen Drive Next Generation GenH2 for Small Series Production

2026-01-26 From Thomas Günnel | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Daimler Truck has presented the next version of the GenH2 truck. It is to be produced in small series and will be on the road for customers from the end of 2026.

Daimler Truck has presented the next version of the GenH2 truck. It is to be produced in a small series.(Image: Daimler Truck) — Daimler Truck has presented the next version of the GenH2 truck. It is to be produced in a small series.
(Image: Daimler Truck)

Daimler Truck has presented the next version of the "NextGenH2" fuel cell truck. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is building the truck in a small series of 100 units. These are due to roll out to customers in everyday logistics operations from the end of 2026.

In the truck, liquid hydrogen flows into the fuel cells. The tanks on both sides can hold up to 190 pounds of hydrogen. According to the manufacturer, the trucks can travel "well over 620 miles on a full tank with a full load". Filling up takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Daimler Truck and Linde have developed the "sLH2" tank standard for this purpose.

Two fuel cell units from Cellcentric are installed underneath the cab and each generate 200 horsepower. The two electric motors of the electric axle generate up to 500 horsepower. An LFP buffer battery with a capacity of 135 horsepower hours stores energy during recuperation.

Identical Parts from the E-Actros 600

The truck is fitted with the identical axle from the E-Actros 600. Coupled to this is a four-speed gearshift including two reverse gears. The high-voltage components and the E/E architecture are also identical to those of the battery-electric Actros; this includes the latest cybersecurity standards. Various safety and driver assistance systems from the E-Actros 600 are also installed in the GenH2.

The cockpit includes driver assistance systems from the E-Actros 600.(Image: Daimler Truck) — The cockpit includes driver assistance systems from the E-Actros 600.
(Image: Daimler Truck)

Many components are now compactly located in the so-called "tech tower" behind the cab. These include the boil-off management system. Put simply, it minimizes the losses caused by gas evaporation. The tech tower also contains the cooling system and the high-voltage components.

This also makes the cab more compact—the wheelbase of the current GenH2 is 6 inches shorter than its predecessor; now a total of 13 feet. This makes it possible to use more trailer combinations and more standard trailers while complying with EU length regulations.

Hydrogen Sensors And Crash Elements

A new sensor system that detects escaping hydrogen now makes it possible to spend the night in the two beds in the cabin. Another new development is the side paneling with integrated crash elements. They are designed to protect the liquid hydrogen tanks in the event of an accident.

Many components are now housed more compactly in the "Tech Tower".(Image: Daimler Truck) — Many components are now housed more compactly in the "Tech Tower".
(Image: Daimler Truck)

Many of the new developments are the result of feedback from the first customer tests of the hydrogen trucks. The Federal Ministry of Transport and the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg are funding the development, production and practical use of the NextGenH2 trucks with 250 million US dollars. Daimler Truck plans to start series production of fuel cell trucks in the early 2030s.

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