German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus will become the first European company to launch a limited series of trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, the company has announced.
The MAN hTGX is aimed at niche applications where battery-powered trucks are not ideal. It may include heavy goods transport sectors such as construction, tank transport or timber transport. It may also be suitable in areas that lack sufficient charging infrastructure or where hydrogen is readily available.
MAN is coming to prioritize battery electric trucks for most applications with the first customer deliveries planned for 2024 and wider availability from 2025. The company has been at the forefront of electric city buses in Europe since 2023.
The hydrogen engine offers advantages for special transport tasks that require specific axle configurations or limited frame space for batteries due to retrofit requirements. The hTGX has a high payload and a maximum range of up to 600 kilometers in its initial 6×2 and 6×4 variants.
The engine delivers 383 kW (520 hp) and 2,500 Nm of torque. Direct hydrogen injection ensures quick power delivery. Refueling with 700 bar compressed hydrogen (CG H2) from a 56 kilo tank takes less than 15 minutes. With emissions below 1g CO2/tkm, the hTGX qualifies as a “zero emission vehicle” according to upcoming EU regulations.
MAN takes off presented his experience in hydrogen technology. The company showcased its first hydrogen-powered bus at the Hannover Messe in 1996 and continues to develop and test hydrogen engines for various applications beyond commercial vehicles.
MAN is coming to offer comprehensive service and advice to support customers transitioning from diesel vehicles to zero-emission vehicles, which reflects the company’s way of working with electric mobility, writes Trans.INFO.