Daimler Truck AG agreed to work with industrial-gas producer and distributor Linde to develop a hydrogen refueling technology for fuel cell-powered heavy-duty vehicles. The two will be focusing on a fueling technology based on “subcooled liquid hydrogen” (sLH2), a process that according to Linde would allow trucks to feature higher on-board capacity, greater range, faster refueling, and better energy efficiency.
"As a pioneer in hydrogen refueling technologies, and one of the largest players in the hydrogen market, we are pleased to contribute to the advancement of the hydrogen economy with this important milestone," stated Linde’s David Burns, head of Clean Hydrogen. "Together with Daimler Truck AG, the industry-leader in commercial vehicles, we expect the use of hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty trucks to be a reality in the very near future."
Daimler Truck is a Daimler AG subsidiary which includes a range of nameplates for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including Freightliner, Thomas Built, and Western Star trucks.
Linde produces, processes, stores, and distributes industrial gases to various markets, including chemicals and refining, food and beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing and primary metals.
The development program calls for the new fueling process to be implemented in the series version of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck, a 1,000-km-range concept vehicle unveiled in September.
Daimler Truck and Linde plan to stage the first refueling of a prototype vehicle at a pilot station in Germany in 2023.
"We at Daimler Truck AG are pursuing the vision of the CO2-neutral transportation of the future," stated Sven Ennerst, member of the board of management of Daimler Truck AG for Development, Procurement and the China Region. "The hydrogen-based fuel cell is a key technology of strategic importance in this context. With our collaboration with Linde as an expert in hydrogen refueling technology, we want to increase the viability and acceptance in the industry of fuel cell trucks on the basis of hydrogen. The new process can further enhance the numerous advantages that liquid hydrogen offers."
