Daimler, KEYOU Plan Hydrogen Combustion-Powered Truck Launch in 2027

Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7:46 am

Daimler Truck and KEYOU have announced a significant partnership aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) trucks. The collaboration, revealed today, sets an ambitious target for the launch of the first vehicle under this new alliance by 2027.

This initiative aligns with Daimler Truck's broader strategy to decarbonize its vehicle portfolio, which encompasses both battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies. While battery-electric trucks are seen as suitable for a wide array of applications, including long-haul transport, hydrogen technologies are being positioned to offer distinct advantages for operations requiring flexibility and high utilization.

According to Daimler Truck, liquid hydrogen fuel cell trucks can achieve impressive ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers with rapid refueling times. In parallel, hydrogen combustion engines are presented as a cost-effective solution for payload-intensive applications, leveraging existing vehicle platforms.

Andreas Gorbach, a Member of the Board of Management at Daimler Truck responsible for Truck Technology, emphasized the need for diverse drive solutions within the road freight transport sector. He highlighted that hydrogen can power both fuel cells and internal combustion engines, and that partnering with KEYOU, a specialized company, will expedite the market introduction of hydrogen combustion technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Daimler Truck will supply Mercedes-Benz Actros L 1848 tractor units and engines based on its established 12.8-liter engine platform to KEYOU. KEYOU will then undertake the crucial task of adapting these components for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. The subsequent conversion of the trucks and the integration of KEYOU-inside engines will be carried out in collaboration with qualified external conversion partners.

The resulting truck, designated the KEYOU HICE.40, is engineered for a gross vehicle weight of 40 tonnes and is projected to offer a range of up to 650 kilometers. The companies anticipate this vehicle will deliver up to 350 kW of power, addressing the demands of challenging freight transport applications. The technology is also expected to be adaptable to additional vehicle models in the future.

Industry observers anticipate that hydrogen combustion engine trucks could begin entering the market at scale from the end of 2027. KEYOU is slated to offer these vehicles to customers, potentially in conjunction with the development of necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Thomas Korn, CEO and Co-founder of KEYOU GmbH, described the partnership with Daimler Truck as a pivotal step in bringing their KEYOU-inside technology to industrial application. He expressed confidence that their joint efforts will significantly accelerate the development and scaling of hydrogen-based drive solutions in the commercial vehicle sector, thereby making a meaningful contribution to the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport. Beyond vehicle development, the collaboration also prioritizes long-term customer support, with plans to explore the utilization of existing service and maintenance structures to ensure high levels of operational reliability and availability for fleet operators.

BNN's Perspective:
This partnership represents a pragmatic approach to decarbonizing heavy-duty transport, acknowledging that a single technological solution may not fit all applications. By leveraging existing engine platforms and focusing on cost-efficiency for specific use cases, Daimler Truck and KEYOU are demonstrating a commitment to a diversified strategy. The projected 2027 launch timeline, while ambitious, signals a serious intent to bring these vehicles to market, potentially addressing a critical gap in the transition to sustainable logistics. The focus on infrastructure development alongside vehicle deployment is also a positive indicator of a holistic approach.

Tags: Daimler Truck, KEYOU, hydrogen combustion engine, H2-ICE, truck, 2027, Mercedes-Benz Actros L 1848, KEYOU HICE.40, decarbonization, heavy-duty transport, fuel cell, battery-electric, Andreas Gorbach, Thomas Korn, commercial vehicle, logistics, infrastructure

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