MAN plans to deliver hydrogen trucks from 2025

From as early as next year, MAN is planning to deliver its hydrogen combustion engined truck hTGX. To begin with, around 200 units are set to be delivered to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and selected non-European countries. 

Friedrich Baumann, executive board member of MAN Truck & Bus, responsible for sales and customer solutions said: "We are continuing to focus on battery-electric vehicles to decarbonize road freight transport. These currently have clear advantages over other drive concepts in terms of energy efficiency and operating and energy costs. However, trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines are a useful addition for special applications and markets.

“We anticipate that we will be able to best serve the vast majority of our customers' transport applications with battery-powered trucks. For special applications, hydrogen combustion or, in the future, fuel cell technology is a suitable supplement. The hydrogen combustion engine H45 is based on the proven D38 diesel engine and is produced at the engine and battery plant in Nuremberg. The use of familiar technology enables us to enter the market at an early stage and thus provides a decisive impetus for the ramp-up of the hydrogen infrastructure. With the hTGX, we have now added an attractive product to our zero-emission portfolio." 

The hTGX will initially be available in 6x2 and 6x4 configurations with a maximum range of 600km. The H45 engine produces 520hp and 2500Nm of torque between 900 to 1300rpm. Hydrogen will be stored in a 56kg tank at a pressure of 700 bar, offering refuelling times under 15 minutes. 

Dr Frederik Zohm, executive board member for research and development, said: "The new CO2 regulations at EU level will classify trucks with hydrogen combustion engines as zero-emission vehicles. This means that such vehicles fully contribute to our CO2 fleet targets, which also opens the door for this small series that complements battery electric vehicles. At the same time, depending on the country, our customers benefit from corresponding toll reductions, for example. 

“At MAN's Nuremberg site, we have the most innovative engine technology and decades of experience in the use of hydrogen as a fuel. We are utilising this and presenting a real MAN with the MAN hTGX. The new hydrogen combustion truck is based on the tried-and-tested TG vehicle series and impresses with the highest quality and uncomplicated maintenance. We will continue to research fuel cell technology based on battery technology and hydrogen. H2 fuel technology is also in preparation at MAN. However, it will be several years before the technology is really ready for the market and competitive."