Zero-emissions hydrogen truck breaks world record for longest distance on single fill

Accelera, a division of the U.S.-based Cummins, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by a hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) heavy-duty truck without refueling. The record was achieved with the company’s H2Rescue truck, a Kenworth T370 prototype designed specifically for emergency response missions.

The truck completed an impressive 1,806 miles (2,900 kilometers), roughly the distance from Berlin, Germany, to Porto, Portugal. During the journey, it consumed 168 kilograms of hydrogen from an initial 175-kilogram fill, producing zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. By comparison, a diesel-powered truck would have emitted an estimated 664 pounds (300 kilograms) of CO2 over the same distance.

Powered by a fuel cell engine and a 250-kilowatt (kW) traction motor, the H2Rescue truck was tested under real-world conditions, including rush hour traffic. During the trip, the vehicle maintained speeds between 80 and 88 kilometers per hour and encountered varying temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C.

The H2Rescue truck is the result of a collaborative effort between Accelera, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Defense. This partnership highlights the growing potential of hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty transport and emergency response applications.

Despite this significant achievement, hydrogen as a fuel alternative still faces challenges, particularly related to cost. Hydrogen fuel for FCEVs currently ranges from EUR 7 to EUR 8 per kilogram, depending on factors such as production location, energy source, and final use, according to data from Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) as of 2023. However, experts predict that prices could drop to around EUR 4 per kilogram in the future, making hydrogen more competitive with traditional diesel fuels.