Daimler Truck has received approval for a substantial funding package of €226 million from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport and the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. This funding is designated for the development and production of 100 hydrogen fuel cell trucks, a move aimed at promoting hydrogen-powered trucking. The first batch of trucks is anticipated to be deployed to customers by the end of 2026. The initiative falls under the IPCEI Hydrogen program, which is focused on advancing hydrogen technology across the European Union. The funding will support the production and assembly of the trucks at various German sites, with final assembly scheduled to take place at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. The use of liquid hydrogen in these trucks will offer an extended operational range of over 1,000 kilometers. The CEO of Daimler Truck, Karin Rådström, highlighted the significance of this funding in signaling the shift towards hydrogen in road freight transportation. Daimler is set to produce the hydrogen fuel cell trucks at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, with key components assembled at different locations. The company aims to start deploying the trucks to customer sites by the end of 2026, following extensive feasibility studies and investments in production facilities supported by the IPCEI funding. Dr. Volker Wissing, Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, emphasized the importance of sustainable transportation with hydrogen-powered trucks, positioning Daimler Truck as a pioneer in this domain. The project signifies a crucial step in the hydrogen technology field, particularly in heavy-duty transportation. The deployment of the IPCEI-funded trucks is expected to pave the way for decarbonization in this sector. However, challenges such as the establishment of an international refueling infrastructure and a stable supply of cost-competitive green liquid hydrogen remain. Daimler Truck is committed to a dual-track strategy involving hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric trucks, with a goal to offer only CO2-neutral vehicles in key markets by 2039, aligning with climate agreements. The success of this initiative will depend not only on technological advancements but also on the availability of green hydrogen and the necessary infrastructure for widespread adoption.