Mercedes-Benz tests prototype hydrogen-powered Unimog

Mercedes-Benz is testing a prototype Unimog designed to run on hydrogen.

The firm states that test vehicle is now being used to conduct research to test the different conditions within which hydrogen can he utilised as a fuel for the multi-purpose tractor. A total of 18 partners are said to be involved in the testing process for the hydrogen-powered Unimog, which has already seen practical tests conducted on a decommissioned section of highway between Bayreuth and Bamberg in Germany, on top of testing in low temperatures.

The test vehicle is based on the Unimog U430 implement carrier, and has its natural gas engine, fuel tank, as well as safety and monitoring systems all retrofitted to utilise the new hydrogen fuel. The prototype vehicle also received four 700-bar high-pressure tanks located behind its cab, allowing it to hold a total of 14kg of gaseous hydrogen. These feed fuel into a combustion engine that is said to deliver close of 290bhp and 1,000Nm of torque, while being quieter than a diesel unit. The prototype vehicle currently features two mowing heads, fitted to give the firm more insights into the vehicle's operating tolerances while it is performing work.

Mercedes-Benz states that it is currently looking to increase the volume of hydrogen the Unimog is capable of carrying in order to allow it to cover a full regular working day.