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Fuel cell trucks climb Alpine peaks in summer trials
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Daimler Truck has completed summer testing of four Mercedes-Benz GenH2 fuel cell prototypes in the Swiss Alps, following earlier winter trials. Over several weeks, the trucks covered more than 10,000 km and ascended 146,000 m on mountain passes up to 2,478 m high, with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The focus was on validating drivetrain dynamics, thermal management, and the interaction of fuel cell, battery and tank systems under peak loads.
Tests also advanced Daimler’s Predictive Powertrain Control, which uses geobased data to anticipate gradients and optimise hydrogen use. Refuelling was carried out via a mobile Air Products sLH₂ station at the test base in Valais. The trials confirmed system stability under extreme conditions, moving the trucks closer to series maturity. Daimler plans a small series of 100 units at its Wörth plant by end-2026, with industrial-scale production targeted for the early 2030s. (ah)