Articles tagged with "hydrogen-fuel-cell"
Photos: Mercedes unveils hydrogen truck that can drive 621 miles on single refuel
Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its NextGenH2 hydrogen-powered long-haul truck, marking a significant advancement toward zero-emission freight transport. Production of a limited initial batch of 100 units is planned to begin by the end of 2026 at the Wörth plant in Germany. These trucks are designed for demanding, long-distance freight routes where range and downtime are critical, moving beyond prototype testing to real-world operational use. The NextGenH2 builds on insights from earlier GenH2 prototypes, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and serviceability optimized for commercial long-haul applications. The truck features a fuel cell system composed of two BZA150 units developed by cellcentric, delivering continuous power of 402 horsepower with peaks up to 496 horsepower. It integrates a 101 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that captures regenerative energy to improve efficiency and power delivery. Hydrogen is stored as liquid at -423°F in two tanks holding 187 pounds, enabling a driving range of approximately 621 miles
hydrogen-fuel-cellMercedes-Benzhydrogen-truckenergy-storageelectric-vehiclelong-haul-transportzero-emission-transportHyundai to unveil its largest EV yet with 800-volt battery tech
Hyundai is preparing to unveil its largest electric vehicle (EV) to date at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2025, marking a significant advancement in its electrification strategy for Europe. The new model will feature cutting-edge 800-volt charging technology and production-ready electric systems, expanding Hyundai’s EV portfolio beyond its current range that includes the compact INSTER and the three-row Ioniq 9. Speculation suggests this vehicle may be a fully electric version of the Staria people mover, which measures 5.25 meters in length—larger than the Ioniq 9—and is targeted at the European market with projected annual sales of up to 20,000 units. Alongside this debut, Hyundai will showcase the updated IONIQ 6, performance-focused N models, and experimental EV designs, while sister brand Kia will introduce its smallest EV, the EV2, plus GT versions of other models. In addition to battery-electric advancements, Hyundai continues to invest
electric-vehiclesEV-technology800-volt-batteryHyundaihydrogen-fuel-cellautomotive-energyelectric-mobilityChina's hydrogen drone sets new world record with 117-mile flight
China’s Tianmushan-1 hydrogen fuel cell drone set a new world record for the longest multirotor flight, covering 117.17 miles (188.605 km) during a four-hour mission on November 16, 2025. This achievement was officially verified and certified by Guinness World Records, marking a significant milestone in clean aviation. Developed by Beihang University’s Tianmushan Laboratory, the drone demonstrated stable propulsion and consistent handling throughout the flight, fulfilling all standards for distance, endurance, and system integrity. The Tianmushan-1, introduced in August 2024 and entering production in April 2025, features a 63-inch wheelbase, weighs 41.9 pounds empty, and can carry up to 13.2 pounds of payload. It boasts an endurance of up to 240 minutes without payload and operates reliably across a wide temperature range (−40°C to 50°C). Its capability to conduct 62-mile (100 km) beyond-visual
robothydrogen-fuel-celldrone-technologyclean-energyautonomous-flightlong-endurancemultirotor-aircraftToyota’s new hydrogen truck drives 300 miles, generates drinkable water
Toyota introduced the Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept at the 2025 SEMA Show, showcasing a hydrogen-powered off-road truck designed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Built on the Tacoma’s TNGA-F chassis, the truck replaces the traditional gas engine with a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell stack from the Toyota Mirai sedan, paired with three carbon-fiber hydrogen tanks storing about 6 kilograms of hydrogen. This setup powers dual electric motors delivering a combined 547 horsepower with instant torque, zero emissions, and near-silent operation. The truck offers a driving range of approximately 300 miles and can refuel in just five minutes, addressing key limitations of electric vehicles. The Tacoma H2-Overlander is equipped for rugged off-road use with Fox shocks, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and advanced differential systems for enhanced control. A standout feature is its water recovery system, which filters and stores the water vapor exhaust into up to 14 gallons of drinkable water per fill-up,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellelectric-motorshydrogen-truckclean-energy-vehiclewater-recovery-systemmobile-power-stationSolaris Shows Off New Midibus at Busworld 2025 - CleanTechnica
At Busworld 2025 in Brussels, Polish manufacturer Solaris Bus & Coach unveiled the Solaris Urbino 10.5 electric midibus, a 10.5-meter fully electric city bus designed for high maneuverability and optimized passenger capacity in tight urban environments. The Urbino 10.5 electric features a modular drive system standardizing components across the Urbino family, simplifying maintenance and reducing complexity for fleet operators. On its debut day, it won the Sustainable Bus Award 2026 in the “Urban” category, highlighting its innovation and sustainability credentials. Solaris also showcased its zero-emission portfolio, including the award-winning Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen fuel-cell bus, named International Bus of the Year 2025—the first hydrogen vehicle to earn this distinction—and the Urbino 12 electric, which won the Sustainable Bus Award 2025. Solaris emphasized its commitment to zero-emission public transport and its international growth strategy, particularly expanding in North America with recent major contracts in the U.S.
energyelectric-vehicleszero-emissionhydrogen-fuel-cellpublic-transportbattery-technologythermal-managementWorld’s first hydrogen-powered tractor with remote control debuts
Japanese manufacturer Kubota has introduced the world’s first autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor, unveiled at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. Designed to tackle climate change and labor shortages in agriculture, the tractor runs on compressed hydrogen stored in tanks and delivers power equivalent to a 100-horsepower diesel engine through two electric motors—one for driving and one for powering implements. The hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water as an emission, positioning it as a sustainable alternative for high-power, long-duration farm machinery. The tractor features advanced autonomous driving technology with AI cameras and sensors, enabling operation without an onboard driver. It can be remotely controlled via a monitoring station equipped with steering and pedals or close-up using a portable device. Notably, the tractor lacks a traditional driver’s station, emphasizing its fully autonomous design. Kubota has commenced field tests in Japan to evaluate the tractor’s autonomous capabilities, hydrogen refueling processes, and overall performance in agricultural tasks. This concept aims to combine
hydrogen-fuel-cellautonomous-tractorremote-controlagricultural-roboticssustainable-energyIoT-in-agricultureKubota-tractorGerman students build energy trailer for festivals, crises, research
Mechanical engineering students at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany have developed the eTrail-Ing, a mobile energy trailer that integrates solar panels, battery storage, and a hydrogen fuel cell to provide off-grid electricity for up to seven days. Designed as a sustainable alternative to diesel generators, the trailer targets applications in remote locations such as open-air festivals, crisis zones, and scientific expeditions. Its modular design allows for flexible use, powering appliances, lighting, communication devices, and refrigeration systems, including a built-in cold storage area capable of maintaining temperatures suitable for drinks, blood reserves, or medicines. The system features nearly 4 kW of fold-out photovoltaic modules, a 2.5 kW hydrogen fuel cell, and a large-capacity battery, along with 230-volt sockets and USB ports. A software monitoring system ensures continuous, safe operation and prevents interruptions in critical functions like cooling chains. The project, supervised by Professor Sönke Gößling, emphasizes student learning through hands
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerhydrogen-fuel-cellbattery-storagemobile-energyoff-grid-powerSouth Korea begins building world's largest 108 MW hydrogen power plant
South Korea has commenced construction of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell power plant, the 108 MW Gangdong Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Generation Project in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province. Scheduled to be fully operational by March 2028, the plant will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 270,000 households annually. Backed by a USD 580.7 million investment through the Regional Revitalization Investment Fund—which pools government, local authority, and private sector contributions—the facility aims to provide stable baseload electricity to the national grid and stimulate regional industrial growth. The project is viewed as a strategic step toward South Korea’s renewable energy goals and positioning Gyeongju as an energy and industrial hub. The plant will utilize grey hydrogen produced on-site from natural gas to generate electricity via high-efficiency fuel cells, serving as a transitional technology while the country advances toward green hydrogen. It has secured a 20-year renewable energy certificate contract to ensure financial viability through South Korea’s
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellrenewable-energypower-plantSouth-Koreaclean-electricityenergy-infrastructureHydrogen-powered driverless tractor to ease labor shortage in Japan
Japanese multinational Kubota has unveiled the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell tractor equipped with autonomous driving capabilities, showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka. This 100-horsepower tractor runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack, enabling nearly half a day of continuous operation per refuel, addressing critical agricultural needs for long working hours and reliability. Measuring 4.4 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.3 meters tall, the tractor operates without a driver’s seat and can be remotely controlled within network range. It features AI-powered cameras for obstacle detection and automatic stopping to ensure safety, aiming to tackle Japan’s labor shortages and aging farming population while promoting sustainability through zero CO2 emissions. The new unmanned tractor builds on Kubota’s previous manned hydrogen model, which delivered 60 horsepower and four hours of quiet, low-vibration operation after a quick refuel. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat, making them a clean
hydrogen-fuel-cellautonomous-tractoragriculture-technologyenergy-efficiencyAI-in-farmingzero-emissionsremote-operationThe First of Toyota's Many Mobility-as-a-Service Solutions Enters Production - CleanTechnica
Toyota’s vision for electric mobility and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions has been steadily evolving since its early conceptual presentations at the 2006 and 2017 Tokyo Motor Shows. Initially introduced as a stark, utilitarian “box on wheels,” the e-Palette concept embodied a flexible, multi-purpose vehicle designed to maximize urban mobility efficiency by serving diverse roles—such as shuttles, mobile stores, or medical clinics—throughout the day. This concept reflected Toyota’s broader ambition to reduce car idling time and promote shared, adaptable transportation solutions. Alongside this, Toyota has also pursued hydrogen fuel cell technology, exemplified by the Toyota Sora Fuel Cell Bus. By 2019, the e-Palette had progressed from concept to a functional prototype showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show and prepared for use in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This version incorporated real-world feedback, including accessibility features for Paralympians, and demonstrated practical application as an automated shuttle within the Olympic
robotelectric-vehiclemobility-as-a-serviceautonomous-drivingToyota-e-Palettehydrogen-fuel-celltransportation-technologyBMW's third-gen hydrogen fuel cell to boost range with 25% less body
BMW Group is set to begin series production of its third-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems in 2028 at its Plant Steyr, following prototype development at its Munich and Steyr competence centers. This new fuel cell technology, developed in partnership with Toyota, features a 25% reduction in size due to increased power density, making the system more compact than previous generations. The improved design enhances efficiency, leading to greater driving range, higher output, and reduced energy consumption. The third-generation system integrates fuel cells with essential subsystems such as cooling, hydrogen, and air management into a compact layout suitable for future vehicle architectures. BMW’s technology-open strategy aims to offer a variety of zero-emission, high-performance drive systems, with this fuel cell system representing a key addition. Plant Steyr is currently upgrading its facilities to accommodate production, signaling BMW’s commitment to expanding hydrogen fuel cell technology as part of its broader sustainable mobility portfolio.
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellBMWzero-emissionelectric-motorsustainable-technologyautomotive-innovationThe High-Carbon Truth Behind A ‘Green’ California Microgrid - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines a California microgrid project in Calistoga, intended as a wildfire resilience measure using hydrogen fuel cells to provide local power during outages. While the project is promoted as a clean alternative to diesel generators, the hydrogen fuel used is sourced from a grid-connected electrolyzer in Georgia, where electricity generation has a relatively high carbon intensity. Producing, liquefying, and transporting the hydrogen over 2,800 miles results in substantial CO2 emissions—estimated at about 23.6 kg of CO2 per kilogram of hydrogen delivered. When converted back to electricity in California, the carbon intensity of the power generated is between 1,400 and 1,600 grams of CO2 per kWh, far exceeding California’s grid average and even worse than modern diesel generators. The article questions the rationale behind public funding for such a high-carbon, inefficient solution, highlighting that state and federal programs, along with utility ratepayer funds, are supporting systems that increase rather than
energymicrogridhydrogen-fuel-cellcarbon-emissionsrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyclean-energyHydrogen-powered spy robot flies at 12,000 feet to vanish from radars
Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL), a Washington-based company, has achieved a significant milestone with its Z1 hydrogen-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The Group II drone successfully ascended to 12,000 feet at maximum takeoff weight during a test simulating real intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, setting a new record for its testing capabilities. The Z1 demonstrated stable flight dynamics, full power operation, and system integrity at high altitude. Designed for over 10 hours of flight endurance, the Z1 supports diverse missions including surveillance, disaster relief, and supply transport, benefiting from hydrogen propulsion that offers acoustic and thermal stealth, zero emissions, and sustained loitering in challenging environments. The Z1 can reach altitudes up to 20,000 feet, surpassing typical Group II drone capabilities, and its vertical launch and hydrogen fuel system make it suitable for operations in areas lacking runways or reliable fuel sources. This
robothydrogen-fuel-cellunmanned-aerial-vehicledrone-technologyvertical-takeoff-and-landingsurveillanceenergy-efficient-propulsionFuel-cell powered BMW Ethos could be brand’s next exclusive halo car
The BMW Ethos is a newly unveiled concept car that reimagines the iconic 1990s Nazca C2 supercar with modern design and hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Designed by Sebastiano Ciarcia, the Ethos retains the Nazca’s aggressive low stance but replaces its sharp edges with smooth, aerodynamic curves and a futuristic full-width LED light bar. The concept features a glass roof that pays homage to the original’s transparent top while enhancing cabin openness and luxury. Under the hood, the Ethos swaps the original’s 5.0-liter V12 engine for a zero-emission hydrogen-electric powertrain, reflecting BMW’s commitment to sustainable performance that could rival current hypercars. The Ethos also incorporates advanced aerodynamic elements such as an active rear wing, blending race-inspired functionality with modern efficiency. Its interior is minimalist and tech-forward, featuring a fully digital dashboard with BMW’s latest iDrive system and sustainable materials like carbon fiber and recycled composites. Drawing design cues from BMW’s i8
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellelectric-vehicleBMW-Ethosautomotive-materialssustainable-designcarbon-fiber