MAN has once again set a benchmark in the commercial vehicle industry, securing the highly coveted Truck Innovation Award for its hTGX hydrogen combustion truck. This cutting-edge HGV, powered by hydrogen combustion technology, is a significant development in the push towards zero-emission transport and is a key milestone for MAN as it paves the way for more sustainable freight solutions.
Hydrogen technology is rapidly gaining traction in the quest to decarbonise heavy transport. With its ability to offer longer ranges and faster refuelling times compared to traditional battery-electric trucks, hydrogen is being hailed as a practical solution for long-haul freight. In particular, hydrogen combustion technology, like that used in MAN’s hTGX, is showing potential for real-world applications in sectors such as haulage, which rely on reliable and efficient vehicles for transporting goods over vast distances.
Dr Frederik Zohm, Executive Board member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus said: “With the hydrogen combustion truck MAN hTGX, we are offering a useful addition to our battery-electric vehicles, thus rounding off our zero-emission product portfolio for special markets and heavy-duty applications.
“By being classified as a ‘zero-emission vehicle’, the hTGX makes an important contribution to the decarbonisation of road freight transport.”
Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity, the MAN hTGX features a hydrogen combustion engine. This means it operates in much the same way as traditional internal combustion engines, but instead of using diesel or petrol, it burns hydrogen. This results in significantly reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining the power and range needed for heavy-duty transport.
The “MAN hTGX”, as the vehicle will be called, offers an alternative zero-emission drive variant for special applications, for example for transporting heavy goods – such as construction work, tank transport or timber transport. Image Man Truck & Bus
The MAN hTGX
The MAN hTGX hydrogen truck, part of MAN’s renowned TGX range, is a groundbreaking vehicle that combines the latest in hydrogen combustion technology with the robust performance that the TGX series is known for. Equipped with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (H2-ICE), the hTGX delivers powerful performance akin to its diesel counterparts, but with far fewer emissions.
What sets the hTGX apart is its ability to maintain the operational advantages of conventional HGVs, such as the ability to carry heavy loads and cover long distances, while adopting a cleaner energy source. This makes the truck particularly suited for long-haul routes, where range and refuelling time are critical factors. Early trials suggest that the hTGX hydrogen combustion truck can achieve ranges of up to 800 kilometres, offering similar performance to traditional diesel-powered trucks, but with a fraction of the environmental impact.
Truck Innovation Award
The Truck Innovation Award is a highly esteemed accolade in the commercial vehicle industry, awarded to manufacturers that demonstrate exceptional advancements in technology and sustainability. MAN’s hTGX hydrogen combustion truck was recognised for its innovative approach to decarbonising freight transport without sacrificing the capabilities that haulage companies depend on.
The award jury, comprising industry experts from across Europe, was particularly impressed by the hTGX’s ability to integrate new hydrogen combustion technology into a proven vehicle platform. They praised MAN’s foresight in developing a truck that is not only more sustainable but also practical for immediate use in the logistics sector. The scalability of the hydrogen combustion engine and the truck’s ability to run on green hydrogen were highlighted as key factors that make this vehicle a viable solution for fleet operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The “H45” hydrogen combustion engine. Image MAN Truck & Bus
For the UK, where road freight accounts for around 89% of all goods transported by land, MAN’s hTGX hydrogen combustion truck offers a promising solution to the challenges posed by stricter emissions regulations. The UK government’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 means that sectors like haulage must adopt cleaner technologies to stay compliant and competitive.
MAN’s hTGX is well-suited to the UK’s logistics landscape, thanks to its long-range capabilities and quick refuelling times. Unlike battery-electric trucks, which require substantial downtime for recharging, hydrogen combustion vehicles can be refuelled in a matter of minutes, allowing for greater operational efficiency. As the UK continues to invest in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, the adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs like the hTGX could accelerate, helping fleet operators transition to more sustainable models without compromising performance.
Author: Mark Salisbury, Editor, Fleetpoint
