Mercedes-Benz has been granted approval from German authorities to test the enhanced prototype of the hydrogen-based fuel-cell GenH2 truck on public roads.

Daimler Truck will begin testing on the B462 near Rastatt in Germany.

Engineers hope the vehicle will achieve ranges of up to 1000km and more without stopping to refuel. The GenH2 will use liquid hydrogen as opposed to gaseous hydrogen, which will allow it to carry a higher payload due to the lighter fuel load.

Mercedes-Benz said it hopes to hand the first series-produced GenH2 truck to customers in 2027 and wants to offer only carbon-neutral new vehicles to customers in Europe, Japan and North America by 2039.