Hydrogen Unimog: Two years of intense trials proves a success
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer Baumaschinen Vertriebs GmbH have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable heavy-duty transport with their hydrogen-powered vehicle prototypes.
These cutting-edge machines – a Unimog test vehicle and a crawler dumper – are set to revolutionise the industry with their high power, low emissions and practical usability.
Project completion and presentation
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer have proudly presented their two hydrogen combustion engine prototypes, marking the completion of the ambitious two-year “WaVe” (short for hydrogen internal combustion in German) development project.
This project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (also known as BMWK), brought together 18 industry and science partners to explore hydrogen combustion engines for special-purpose vehicles.
Vehicle testing and performance
The Unimog test vehicle and the crawler have undergone extensive real-world testing, demonstrating their practicality and reliability.
Both vehicles have been used in driving, working and refuelling operations, showcasing their potential as low-emission alternatives to diesel engines.
Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, said: “After numerous test deployments, emission measurements, and technical fine tuning, we are convinced that hydrogen combustion for work machines with high power requirements, both for driving and for powering auxiliary drives, is worthwhile, practical and very low in emissions.”
Technological innovations
The hydrogen combustion engine technology integrates customised components such as pistons, intake systems and ignition systems to optimise hydrogen propulsion.
The Unimog’s engine delivers around 290 hp and 1000 Nm of torque, comparable to a 300 hp diesel variant.
The crawler dumper achieves similar performance with its hydrogen combustion engine, holding 14.5 kilograms of hydrogen and boasting a bed capacity of 16 cubic metres.
Real-life testing and demonstration
In a final demonstration at the Mörtlbauer factory premises, the hydrogen-powered Unimog and crawler dumper showcased their capabilities.
The Unimog transported the crawler on a low loader and demonstrated a front-mounted sweeper in action.
The event also highlighted the practical hydrogen refuelling process at a mobile station.
Armin Mörtlbauer, Managing Director of Mörtlbauer Baumaschinen Vertriebs GmbH, said: “The fact that our crawler and the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks Unimog can be easily refuelled with gaseous hydrogen and that these vehicles also work reliably when using implements is the result of the outstanding cooperation in this research partnership.
“We have researched and understood this technology. We now have the corresponding experience and data.”
Successful collaboration
The “WaVe” project exemplifies successful collaboration between industry and science, supported by government funding.
This partnership has paved the way for hydrogen combustion engines to become a viable and sustainable option for heavy-duty vehicles, reducing emissions and supporting the transition to greener technology.
The hydrogen combustion engines provide a practical, low-emission alternative to diesel engines, offering high power output for work machines.
The Unimog and crawler dumper’s real-world testing included transporting bulk material, operating various attachments and demonstrating the ease of hydrogen refuelling, showcasing the versatility and potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer’s hydrogen-powered prototypes mark a significant advancement in sustainable industrial transport.
This collaboration not only proves the practical viability of hydrogen technology but also paves the way for future innovations.
With continued development and government support, hydrogen-powered vehicles could soon become a standard in construction and industrial sectors, driving us towards a cleaner, greener future.