MAN has announced it is introducing a small series of hydrogen combustion engine trucks into uits line-up. The company plans to deliver approximately 200 units to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and selected non-European countries by 2025.
Dubbed the “MAN hTGX,” these hydrogen-powered trucks offer an alternative zero-emission drive option, particularly suited for special applications such as heavy goods transportation, including construction, tank, and timber transport. The hTGX complements MAN’s existing battery-electric portfolio, says the company, and addresses specific market needs, such as areas lacking sufficient Charging infrastructure or regions with readily available hydrogen.
“We are continuing to focus on battery-electric vehicles to decarbonise road freight transport,” says Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member of MAN Truck & Bus with responsibility for Sales & Customer Solution. ”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 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 MAN hTGX boasts a maximum range of up to 600 kilometers in its initial 6x2 and 6x4 axle variants. Powered by the H45 hydrogen combustion engine, the hTGX offers an output of 383kW (520hp) and a torque of 2500Nm at 900-1300 rpm. The vehicle can be refueled in less than 15 minutes with hydrogen compressed to 700 bar, offering quick turnaround times for operators.
Dr Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research & Development, adds: “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.”
MAN’s history with hydrogen drives dates back decades, with the company conducting research and development in various applications, including buses and commercial vehicles. The introduction of the MAN hTGX represents a continuation of MAN’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and innovation in the commercial vehicle industry.
