Daimler Truck has started tests on a fuel-cell prototype truck using liquid hydrogen as their fuel source.

The truck will be utilising two 40kg tanks to store cryogenic liquid hydrogen at -253°C. Refuelling stations will be installed at the development and testing centre in Wörth am Rhein, Germany. The automotive manufacturer plans on improving its fuel-cell truck's onboard capacity and range up to 1,000km.

In 2020, Daimler signed an agreement with Linde to develop a liquid hydrogen fuelling technology that will make refuelling simpler and increase energy efficiency. The first truck refuelling prototype is scheduled to enter the market in 2023 and mass production of hydrogen-based trucks from Daimler will be produced in the second half of the decade.

The benefits associated with hydrogen fuel cells (alternative to batteries in EVs) include a smaller charging time and less dependence on certain critical metals. This excludes PGMs because they are required as catalysts during electrolysis. In essence, green hydrogen can make an important contribution to sustainable mobility and zero emissions. However, there are still prime dangers that accentuate concerns when dealing with large amounts of hydrogen. The gas is highly flammable, and a fuel cell motor can cause high voltage electricity because its voltage exceeds 350V.