MAHLE has agreed to supply MAN Truck & Bus with automotive components that have been deliberately designed to meet specific requirements of a hydrogen-powered truck.

Originally, MAN created the Stuttgart-based firm, with the intention that it would supply components for the MAN hTGX truck’s hydrogen engine. This engine is a direct-injection engine which consists of six cylinders and a 383kW output of power.

Furthermore, MAHLE’s hydrogen power cell unit involves a piston, piston rings, piston pin and cylinder liner. On top of this, other components from the automotive company will be used within the valve train.

So far, the plan that has been established, is that MAN will build an estimated two-hundred units of the truck and then first deliveries to customers will be expected in 2025. Right now, it is anticipated that the initial units will be scheduled to become available in the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland and a few other non-European countries.

MAHLE previously ran tests which proved the capabilities of its components when it came to backing up the “high maturity level and already convincing suitability for series production of modern hydrogen engine technology.”

It was in April that the German truck manufacturer stated that the, ‘56kg hydrogen tank could be refuelled in 15 minutes with hydrogen compressed to 700 bar.’

Member of the MAHLE Management Committee and Head of Sales, Dr. Roger Busch, commented, “MAHLE has successfully transferred its one hundred years of experience in engine components into the future. Our state-of-the-art pistons and other parts make the internal combustion engine (ICE) fit for hydrogen and thus climate-neutral. Today, we are able to fulfil our customers’ expectations in terms of performance, efficiency and service life.”