Daimler Truck has taken a step forward in the development of its next-generation fuel cell trucks, putting two Mercedes-Benz GenH2 prototypes through rigorous winter testing at the Simplon Pass in Switzerland. The trials, conducted at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters, assessed the hydrogen-powered trucks’ performance in extreme cold, snow, and steep gradients.
Dr. Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product Engineering, emphasized the importance of these tests: “Building on our first-generation prototypes, we can now evaluate improved technology in extreme conditions from the outset. The Simplon Pass, with its elevation gain of 600 meters and steep climbs, provided the ideal environment to test the fuel cell system’s integration with other enhanced components.”
Key components, including the fuel cell, high-voltage battery, e-axle, tank system, and thermal management, were tested intensively. The Predictive Powertrain Control system, which optimizes energy efficiency by adapting to terrain, was a particular focus. The two GenH2 trucks, with a gross vehicle weight of up to 40 tons, covered 6,500 kilometers over 14 days, tackling 1,600 kilometers of steep inclines with gradients of up to 12%. A mobile hydrogen refueling station from Air Products supported the tests at the base in Valais.
The tests are part of a broader initiative backed by €226 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) and other regional authorities. This investment supports the development, small-scale production, and deployment of 100 fuel cell trucks as part of the European Union’s IPCEI Hydrogen program. Final assembly will take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, with customer operations expected to begin by the end of 2026.
