Daimler, Linde develop “subcooled” liquid hydrogen truck refueling

Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering announced a breakthrough in refueling infrastructure for hydrogen-powered trucks.

The companies jointly developed an innovative process for handling subcooled liquid hydrogen (sLH2) fuel. Compared to regular methods, sLH2 enables vastly higher storage density, range, speed and lower costs for refueling hydrogen trucks.

“With sLH2, hydrogen refueling becomes as convenient as diesel,” said Daimler Truck’s Andreas Gorbach, member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG, responsible for Truck Technology.

Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering aim to establish sLH2 as a common refueling standard for hydrogen-powered trucks and make the technology openly available to all interested parties via an ISO standard.

A 40-ton prototype can now fuel 80 kg of hydrogen in 10-15 minutes, allowing a 1,000+ km range. Investment and operating costs also decrease by factors of 2-3 and 5-6 respectively with sLH2.

Daimler and Linde inaugurated the first public sLH2 hydrogen station powering a Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck in Wörth, Germany. The site sets a new efficiency benchmark, consuming just 0.05 kWh per kg filled. The fuel station in Wörth am Rhein will be used by selected logistics customers for initial customer trials with the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck from mid-2024.

“Subcooled liquid hydrogen considerably increases the efficiency of hydrogen refueling systems. This and further advantages make sLH2 a practical, CO2-neutral alternative to diesel in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. The technology we have developed with Daimler Truck will help pave the way for the development of a robust refueling network, which is essential to keep vehicles moving and supply chains intact,” said Juergen Nowicki, executive vice president, Linde plc, and CEO of Linde Engineering.