Daimler Truck has received a €235 million grant to advance its Pegasus project, which tests 100 hydrogen-powered Mercedes GenH2 trucks. The project is supported by Germany’s Federal Government along with the states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Pegasus project is funded through €158 million from the German Federal Government, with €50 million from Baden-Württemberg and €27 million from Rhineland-Palatinate, which shows Germany’s pledge to develop clean fuel technology for the transportation industry, particularly through hydrogen fuel cells. Daimler will conduct the testing at its sites in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Mannheim, Gaggenau, and Wörth. These facilities will be used for testing and refining the GenH2 Truck, made to cut emissions in heavy-duty transportation.
The GenH2 Truck’s hydrogen technology is intended for uses where battery electric trucks may fall short, especially in terms of range and carrying heavy loads. Thekla Walker, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Environment and Energy, commented that hydrogen is an important option for clean energy, especially in areas where electric vehicles face limitations.
The project also fits into Europe’s broader clean energy efforts, including initiatives like the Importing Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on hydrogen, which supports clean technology development across the region.
The GenH2 Truck, developed with Cellcentric, a partnership between Volvo and Daimler, is powered by dual fuel cells that deliver a total of 300 kW. A 70 kWh battery provides extra power when needed, giving up to 400 kW, while the electric motors generate up to 330 kW. These features make the truck suitable for the demands of long-distance freight.
Daimler has already started real-world testing with five prototypes of the GenH2 Truck. The results will guide further development and help Daimler prepare for mass production, expected to start in the second half of this decade. The results from the Pegasus project will help Daimler’s production plans, allowing it to bring hydrogen trucks to the market. While this specific model isn’t here yet, Daimler offers other choices like FUSO, which you can check out on TruckDeal to find the ideal truck for your business.
