Daimler Truck Launches Second Testing Phase for Fuel Cell Trucks

Following the completion of initial customer-focused trials, Daimler Truck is launching a second testing phase for fuel cell trucks in cross-industry logistics operations. To this end, Daimler Truck is expanding its cooperation to include five additional partners. The aim of the project is to test the practical applicability of hydrogen trucks under real-world conditions and to collect valuable data on range, refueling times, and operational safety.

The participating partners come from various sectors of the logistics industry, including freight forwarding and logistics service providers, who are integrating the vehicles into their daily transport operations. The first testing phase had already demonstrated that fuel cell trucks, particularly for long-distance routes, represent an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel trucks. Daimler Truck’s goal is to enable emission-free heavy-duty transport based on hydrogen technology.

In the second testing phase, the vehicles will continue to be evaluated for their suitability for everyday operations. In addition to performance and efficiency, the focus will be on integration into existing logistics processes and interaction with refueling infrastructure. The tests provide data necessary for further development of vehicle technology toward practical maturity and for the establishment of a reliable hydrogen infrastructure. According to Daimler Truck, functioning refueling networks and standardized refueling processes are essential for the widespread adoption of fuel cell trucks. However, the expansion of refueling infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles is lagging behind expectations.

With this project, Daimler Truck aims to make a statement for the energy transition in heavy-duty transport. The results of the second testing phase are intended to demonstrate how fuel cell trucks can be integrated into regular logistics operations in the long term. The company emphasizes that the combination of technological advancement and infrastructural preparation is critical for market success. By expanding cooperation and conducting real-world trials, Daimler Truck seeks to create the conditions for an emission-free future in freight transport while gaining experience that is crucial for series production of the vehicles.