Revolution on wheels. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has thrown down the gauntlet to diesel trucks with their hydrogen-powered Nextgenh2. This beast promises over 1,000 kilometers on a single tank. At full load. Yeah, you read that right.
Set for small series production by late 2026 at the Wörth plant in Germany, the Nextgenh2 isn’t just another pie-in-the-sky concept. It’s the real deal. Building on their GenH2 prototypes, Mercedes has cracked the code on liquid hydrogen technology for long-haul transport.
The truck uses sLH2 liquid hydrogen, cooled to a frigid -253°C. Why? Simple physics. Higher energy density means more range. Two vacuum-insulated stainless steel tanks hold 85 kg of hydrogen total, enough to match diesel trucks’ operational flexibility for multi-day trips.
Refueling takes just 10-15 minutes. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s comparable to diesel. And with lighter tanks, drivers can haul about 25 tonnes of payload. Not too shabby.
Under the hood, twin cellcentric BZA150 fuel cells pump out 300 kW, supported by a 101 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. Need more power for steep hills? The Nextgenh2 delivers up to 370 kW in power mode. It even recuperates energy when braking. The development represents a successful collaboration with Volvo Group on advancing fuel cell system technology.
Mercedes didn’t forget about drivers. The ProCabin is aerodynamic and comfortable, with the latest Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 tech. It’ll find hydrogen stations for you. The truck also features Active Drive Assist 3 for semi-automated driving.
Safety? Covered. Active Brake Assist 6, Front Guard Assist, and a 270° sensor fusion system keep things secure.
Mercedes plans to deploy 100 trucks with key partners like Amazon and Holcim starting in late 2026, collecting vital operational data for future improvements.
Coming late 2026 with an estimated price tag between $550,000-$630,000, the Nextgenh2 outperforms competitors like the Hyundai XCIENT in range and payload. 1,000+ kilometers versus 400. 25 tonnes versus 18. Unlike conventional trucks, this hydrogen-powered alternative delivers zero air pollution while maintaining impressive performance metrics.
Diesel trucks dominated long-haul for decades. But their reign? It might be ending soon.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PAHQRQ3qX0
- https://www.electrichunter.com/commercial-vehicles/hydrogen-hauling-hits-highway-mercedes-benz-nextgenh2-truck-set-2026
- https://www.daimlertruck.com/en/newsroom/pressrelease/daimler-truck-presents-mercedes-benz-nextgenh2-truck-with-small-series-production-planned-from-end-of-2026-53330597
- https://www.powertraininternationalweb.com/news/mercedes-trucks-netxgen-h2/
- https://www.act-news.com/news/nextgenh2-truck-next-phase-of-hydrogen-development/
- https://www.autoblog.com/news/mercedes-benz-pushes-hydrogen-semi-truck-toward-production-with-100-unit-run
- https://www.rinnovabili.net/business/mobility-transportation-business/hydrogen-trucks-mercedes-benz-second-generation/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUT5rnOwrBU&vl=ta
