MAN plans hydrogen combustion engine truck

^{Image credit: MAN}

German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus will be the first European truck producer to launch a small series with a hydrogen combustion engine. 

The initially planned small series of around 200 units is to be delivered to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and selected non-European countries as early as 2025. 

The MAN hTGX offers an alternative zero-emission drive variant for special applications, for example for transporting heavy goods – such as construction work, tank transport or timber transport. 

The hTGX can also be an environmentally friendly alternative to battery-electric trucks for use in areas without sufficient charging infrastructure or for markets where sufficient hydrogen is already available.

Friedrich Baumann, Executive Board Member of MAN Truck & Bus said: "We are continuing to focus on battery-electric vehicles to decarbonise 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."  W

The hydrogen drive is particularly suitable for special transport tasks that require a special axle configuration or where there is no space for the battery on the frame due to the need for truck body work. 

The H45 hydrogen combustion engine used has an output of 383 kW or 520 hp and a torque of 2500 Nm at 900-1300 rpm.