1,806 Miles Without Refueling: US DOE’s Hydrogen Truck Sets World Record
A groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell electric truck, H2Rescue, has set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled without refueling, highlighting the potential of zero-emission haulers for emergency response.
The Record-Breaking Journey
- Distance Traveled: 1,806 miles (2,906 kilometers)
- Hydrogen Consumption: 386 pounds (175 kilograms)
- Verified by: Guinness World Records adjudicator, who ensured the hydrogen tank remained sealed during the trip.
The H2Rescue’s journey between Oakland and West Sacramento, California, demonstrated its reliability in real-world conditions. Navigating public roads at speeds of 50–55 mph (80–89 km/h), the truck operated in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (16–27°C).
Collaborative Innovation
The project is a joint effort involving:
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
- US DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office
- US Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)
- US Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T)
- US Naval Research Laboratory
- Accelera by Cummins
This team envisioned the truck as a solution to increasing natural disasters and the need for energy-efficient emergency response vehicles.
H2Rescue: A Revolution in Disaster Response
The H2Rescue is not just a truck—it’s a mobile command center, emergency shelter, and power generator.
Key Features:
- Zero-Emission Technology
- Powered by a Cummins Accelera hydrogen fuel cell engine.
- Utilizes hydrogen storage, an electric drivetrain, and high-energy lithium-ion batteries.
- Byproducts: Only water and heat, ensuring environmental friendliness.
- Energy Efficiency
- Delivers 25 kW of continuous power—enough for 20 homes, shelters, or communication trailers.
- Energy utilization exceeds 80%.
- Emergency Water Supply
- The fuel cell generates water, which can be treated for drinking or other uses during crises.
- Roadworthy Design
- Classified as a Class 7 heavy-duty truck, weighing 33,000 pounds (15,000 kilograms).
- Carries up to 388 pounds (176 kilograms) of hydrogen at 700 bar.
Field Testing and Demonstrations
- In 2023, the truck completed two 180-mile (290-kilometer) round-trip demonstrations, powering shelters for 72 continuous hours.
- In April 2024, H2Rescue was showcased at Capitol Hill during the World Fire Congress, introducing global decision-makers to its capabilities.
Record-Setting Impact
- Hydrogen Efficiency: During the record run, the truck consumed 168 kilograms (370 pounds) of hydrogen.
- Environmental Benefits: Transitioning to H2Rescue could save 1,825 gallons (6,908 liters) of gasoline annually per truck and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 metric tons (2.8 tons) each year.
A Vision Realized
“This project started with an idea on paper during the California wildfires. A group of federal researchers asked, ‘How can we create something to support emergency situations?’ Five years later, that idea set a world record,” said Nick Josefik, an ERDC-CERL industrial engineer and H2Rescue team lead.
H2Rescue represents a new era of emergency response—one that combines innovation, sustainability, and practicality to address the growing challenges of disaster relief.
