Mahle has been commissioned by commercial vehicle manufacturer Man Truck & Bus to supply components for the hydrogen engine of its “Man hTGX” truck. This vehicle recently won the Truck Innovation Award 2025. The engine is a six-cylinder direct-injection model with a 16.8-liter displacement and a power output of 383 kW. It will feature Mahle’s hydrogen power cell unit, which includes the piston, piston rings, piston pin, and cylinder liner. Additional components from Mahle will be utilized in the valve train. Man plans to produce approximately 200 units of this truck, classified as a zero-emission vehicle, for selected markets starting in 2025. The use of hydrogen in combustion engines is seen as a significant step toward decarbonization, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector. Alongside electrification, sustainable combustion engines that operate on renewable fuels are a strategic focus for the Mahle Group.

Mahle’s expertise in hydrogen engine components

“Mahle has successfully transferred its one hundred years of expertise in engine components into the future. Our state-of-the-art pistons and other parts make the internal combustion engine fit for hydrogen and thus climate-neutral,” said Dr. Roger Busch, member of the Mahle management committee and head of sales. “We are able to fulfill our customers’ expectations in terms of performance, efficiency and service life.”

Mahle has developed its engine components to meet the specific requirements of hydrogen operation. Tests at the company’s hydrogen test center in Stuttgart confirm the high maturity level and suitability for series production of modern hydrogen engine technology. The Mahle hydrogen power cell unit notably reduces oil consumption and blow-by, the leakage of hydrogen gas into the crankcase, enabling robust and failure-free motor operation.

Hydrogen is considered the renewable fuel with the greatest potential for decarbonizing the transportation sector. Mahle is well-positioned with components and systems expertise for both hydrogen engines and fuel cell powertrains to actively contribute to climate transformation in transportation.

The automotive supplier is currently engaged in nearly 30 hydrogen engine projects for customers in both the on- and off-highway sectors. With the current contract from Man Truck & Bus, another vehicle manufacturer is entering series production using Mahle components. Additional series launches with other customers are planned for 2025.