09/15/2026

IAA Transportation premiere: ‘Night of Hydrogen’ honors companies for pioneering use of hydrogen in logistics

by H2 MOBILITY News

Hannover, 15 September 2026 | On the eve of IAA Transportation, H2 MOBILITY’s event for the hydrogen mobility industry brought together more than 90 guests from the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors. Supported by Daimler Truck and Hyundai, the event focused on the industry’s determination to drive the market ramp-up of hydrogen-powered trucks and showcased real-world applications by logistics companies already using hydrogen in their fleets.

Companies from across the commercial vehicle and logistics industries came together at the Night of Hydrogen to champion the continued expansion of hydrogen-powered road freight. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the H2 MOBILITY Awards to companies already demonstrating the viability of hydrogen in demanding day-to-day logistics operations.

The ‘Hydrogen Power User’ H2 MOBILITY Award went to WTK Stratmann, a North Rhine-Westphalia-based company specialising in silo tanker and container transport. The company runs a MAN hTGX in two shifts, transporting gases and chemicals and covering more than 800 kilometres per day. In a single day, the truck took on 86 kilograms of hydrogen – a record for a single vehicle across the H2 MOBILITY refuelling network.

The ‘Hydrogen Pioneer’ H2 MOBILITY Award went to vehicle body manufacturer EWERS Fahrzeugbau and Gettrans, a logistics company specialising in beverage transport, for jointly developing a beverage logistics body specifically designed for the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell. The first vehicle of its kind anywhere in the world, it combines hydrogen propulsion with a body tailored to the specific demands of beverage logistics. Its swing-wall body allows fast side loading and unloading while offering certified load securing and a high payload capacity. The vehicle demonstrates that hydrogen power is increasingly viable even for demanding distribution and logistics operations. The tandem truck-and-trailer combination has space for 36 Euro pallets and can operate in two shifts on regional routes. During the Night of Hydrogen, Hyundai handed over the vehicle to Gettrans Managing Director Steffen Richter.

Vehicle manufacturers reaffirm commitment to hydrogen in heavy-duty transport

The Night of Hydrogen vehicle showcase featured everything from hydrogen vehicles already in daily operation to the next generation of fuel-cell electric commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Among them was an H2 tractor unit from Volvo Trucks, making its German debut at IAA Transportation. Together with H2 trucks already in service – including the Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2, Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell, MAN hTGX, and KEYOU BRAD – the exhibit showcased the growing range of hydrogen-powered options on the commercial vehicle market. Also featured in the vehicle presentation was the Toyota Hilux Fuel Cell, classified in the N1 vehicle category.

Just in time for IAA Transportation: New hydrogen refuelling station opens at Hannover-Langenhagen Airport

Just hours before the Night of Hydrogen began, H2 MOBILITY’s new hydrogen refuelling station for commercial vehicles at Hannover-Langenhagen Airport officially began trial operations. Located close to the A2 and A7 motorways, the station strengthens the hydrogen refuelling network at one of northern Germany’s most important logistics hubs. It supplies trucks, buses, and passenger cars with RFNBO-compliant green hydrogen and meets the requirements of the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

Martin Jüngel, Managing Director and CFO, H2 MOBILITY: “The Night of Hydrogen shows just how strongly the electrification of heavy-duty transport has shifted towards hydrogen over the past few years. Hydrogen-powered trucks and buses are already on the road, operators are gaining valuable real-world experience, and high-capacity refuelling infrastructure continues to expand. New vehicle models, specialised logistics solutions, and the projects we are recognising tonight all show that we have moved well beyond the demonstration stage. We are now moving from successful early applications to commercialisation on a much broader scale.”

Volker Hasenberg, Head of International Hydrogen Strategy, Daimler Truck: “Hydrogen has an important role to play in reducing transport emissions, particularly in certain heavy-duty applications. But to realise that potential, vehicles, infrastructure, and hydrogen supply need to develop in step. Getting all three right is essential if hydrogen solutions are to work for our customers at scale.”

Mark Freymueller, CEO, Hyundai Energy & Hydrogen Europe: “Hyundai Motor Group and its 74 subsidiaries have set themselves the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Hydrogen will be central to achieving that goal, and our commitment to the technology extends far beyond mobility. We can already see in commercial vehicles what hydrogen technology can contribute to decarbonising transport. That’s why we need the entire value chain working together if we are going to take hydrogen applications to scale.”

About H2 MOBILITY

H2 MOBILITY makes hydrogen a practical option for everyday transport. As Europe’s largest operator of hydrogen refuelling stations, H2 MOBILITY develops, builds, and operates hydrogen refuelling solutions for all vehicle classes. Through its RETAIL, SERVICES, and FLEET business units, the company provides integrated solutions across the entire hydrogen value chain. These include the operation of hydrogen refuelling stations, technical and operational services for hydrogen and other gas installations, EPC projects, and digital services for climate-friendly fleet operations. By 2028, H2 MOBILITY will supply all of its own stations exclusively with green hydrogen certified as RFNBO-compliant under EU requirements.

Contact:
Daniela Dietz, presse@h2-mobility.de
Image copyright: H2 MOBILTIY

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