Daimler has just unveiled its strategy for emissions-free haulage, which will focus on all-electric and fuel-cell technologies.

The group plans to use battery-powered motors for lightweight trucks and shorter distances, while developing fuel-cell technology for heavier loads and longer distances.

The Mercedes eActros, which will be the German group’s first all-electric truck, is due to go into production in early 2021. The battery-powered vehicle will have a range of around 200 kilometers on a single charge.

A 500-kilometer long-range version, the eActros LongHaul, is also planned with production to debut in 2024.

A further model that is specially designed for cities, the low-floor eEconic which will be marketed to municipal authorities, is due to go into production in 2022.

For longer routes, Daimler plans to produce a hydrogen-powered truck that makes use of two fuel cells.

For the time being, the vehicle called the Mercedes GenH2 is still a paper concept. However, it will pave the way for a future production model with twin tanks for liquid hydrogen, which will be cooled to -253 degrees.

Daimler has announced an exceptional range of 1000 kilometers on only one tank for this semi.

An initial prototype is expected on the road in 2023, with a production version by the end of the decade.

With this ambitious programme, Daimler has committed to developing environmentally friendly transport that will make emissions-free freight a reality in Europe over the next ten years.