A truck for special occasions

MAN is the first European manufacturer to launch a hydrogen-combustion truck onto the market. We asked MAN Head of Sales Stefan Schall about the potential applications of the MAN hTGX.

Stefan, the current trend is for freight forwarders to switch to eTrucks. MAN is now also introducing the MAN hTGX, a combustion engine that is fuelled with hydrogen. What’s the idea behind this?

MAN is trying to do all it can to protect the environment and climate. That’s why we will be offering another emission-free drive in the future with the hydrogen combustion engine. The MAN hTGX is designed for special applications for which eTrucks are not so well suited, or where charging infrastructure is insufficient.

Are hydrogen trucks just as important for the climate transition as electric trucks?

We don’t think so. eTrucks are the most efficient and economical emission-free solution for most transports in distribution and long-haul transport. Hydrogen trucks are a useful addition, and they are more likely to play a role in certain niches. They round off our portfolio of zero-emission vehicles.

What can the MAN hTGX do that the electric truck cannot?

The MAN hTGX does not feature any battery packs, which benefits its maximum payload and configurability. It is suitable for special axle configurations or bodies that do not leave space for battery packs on the frame. It can be used for very heavy loads and in extreme climate zones. The vehicle has a full tank within 15 minutes. And the direct injection of hydrogen into the engine ensures particularly fast power development.

What are the applications in which the hydrogen truck can really play to its strengths?

I’m thinking of examples such as construction site deployments, tanker, timber or heavy-duty transport. In addition, the hydrogen combustion engine is suitable for non-road applications, i.e. ships, powerful agricultural and construction machinery, power generators and combined heat and power plants.

Which customers will be the first to use the MAN hTGX?

We want to deliver a small series of around 200 units to customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and some non-European countries as early as 2025.

What technology is featured in the vehicle?

The MAN hTGX – our hydrogen TGX – is a 100% MAN product based on the tried-and-tested TG vehicle series. It uses innovative, genuine MAN engine technology from the Nuremberg site. The H45 hydrogen combustion engine is built based on the D38 diesel engine. It delivers an output of 520 hp and 2,500 Newton metres to the road. The truck is available in the 6 x 2 and 6 x 4 axle variants.

What does the vehicle refuel?

CG H2, i.e. hydrogen compressed to 700 bar. The tank has a capacity of 56 kilograms. Filling once will give you around 600 kilometres.

How sustainable is the MAN hTGX?

Its CO2 emissions are less than one gramme per tonne-kilometre, meaning that our hydrogen combustion engine is a zero-emission vehicle in accordance with the planned new EU CO2 legislation.

What is MAN’s view of another alternative drive system: the hydrogen fuel cell?

This is proving to be a very interesting technology that we are researching. But it still needs a few years before it is competitive and ready for the market. At present, the hydrogen combustion engine is the most suitable vehicle for everyday use for our customers. This is a mature technology.