Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Mörtlbauer Baumaschinen Vertriebs GmbH have presented two prototypes of hydrogen combustion engines for special vehicles. These prototypes were developed as part of the "WaVe" project, financed by German public funds. Mercedes used the engine for over a year in tests on the Unimog tool carrier. The Mörtlbauer tipper tracked vehicle went into service in spring 2024, and has since proved its worth in initial application-specific tests.
"After numerous tests, emissions measurements and technical adjustments, we are convinced that hydrogen combustion for work machines with high power requirements, both for driving and for powering auxiliary drives, is interesting, practical and very low in terms of emissions," explains Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. The specially converted Unimog U 430 tool carrier transported the tracked vehicle on a low-bed trailer to the event venue at the Mörtlbauer company premises.
Both vehicles are equipped with a medium-sized engine which the experts converted specifically for hydrogen propulsion. Hydrogen combustion in the engine compartment produces water, which is discharged as hot steam through the exhaust system. The engine delivers around 290 hp / 1000 Nm, comparable to a 300 hp diesel variant in terms of power and torque.
