BMW Leipzig tests an 18-tonne hydrogen combustion truck in plant logistics

Author LogiBridge Editorial Desk · Publisher LogiBridge · Date October 7, 2026Source BMW Group, Leipzig

At BMW Group Plant Leipzig, testing of an 18-tonne truck with a hydrogen combustion engine is underway in real plant operations. The piston engine is based on diesel technology. Hydrogen is burned to produce water vapour and virtually no CO₂. BMW Group said this is the first use of such a truck in regular operations in German car production.

What does the truck supply?

The hydrogen combustion truck will supply the Technology Exterior Components (TEK) division at Plant Leipzig with parts for plastic components such as bumpers and spoilers. In a second phase it will supply vehicle assembly with exterior components from TEK on a just-in-time basis. BMW Group is testing another way to reduce CO₂ from its global transport.

Testing covers longer routes and three-shift operation near the plant. The results will help identify logistics uses suited to hydrogen combustion vehicles.

Why a hydrogen engine?

BMW Group said hydrogen trucks fit demanding transport, especially high daily mileage, multi-shift work or specific infrastructure needs. Short refuelling reduces downtime. A hydrogen truck can also run where charging infrastructure or a high-capacity grid connection is inadequate, which matters for long-haul routes and heavily used vehicles. A reliable hydrogen filling network is still required.

The engine is based on diesel technology, so it is easier to fit into existing vehicle and maintenance structures. Under high loads and dynamic driving it delivers performance and robustness comparable to diesel. Compared with a hydrogen fuel cell, it is less sensitive to hydrogen quality and can offer higher availability.

Key facts

• Site: BMW Group Plant Leipzig. 18-tonne hydrogen combustion truck in real plant operations
• Engine: diesel-based piston. Hydrogen burned to water vapour, virtually no CO₂
• Phase 1: parts to TEK for plastic components such as bumpers and spoilers
• Phase 2: just-in-time supply of TEK exterior components to vehicle assembly
• Test: longer routes and three-shift operation near the plant
• Project: HyCET, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, headed by BMW Group
• Partners: engine by DEUTZ, operation by Rudolph Logistics Group, filling stations by TEAL Mobility
• Aim: technical, operational, environmental and economic data, and suitable applications
• Strategy: BMW Group Strategy for Reduced Logistics Emissions. Technology-neutral assessment of maturity, reliability, performance, CO₂, cost and infrastructure

What did Dirk Wiedmann say?

Dirk Wiedmann, head of Production Network and Logistics at the BMW Group, said logistics is the backbone of production and that the company uses a technology-open, data-based approach to match alternative truck drivetrains to each task. He said this is the first regular use of a hydrogen combustion truck in German car production, and that the project will provide practical logistics experience and help develop the technology.

What truck is being tested?An 18-tonne hydrogen combustion truck. A diesel-based piston engine burns hydrogen, producing water vapour and virtually no CO₂.

What does it carry?First, parts for TEK at Leipzig to make plastic components such as bumpers and spoilers. Later, exterior components from TEK to vehicle assembly just in time.

Who is involved?HyCET is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and headed by BMW Group. DEUTZ developed the engine, Rudolph Logistics Group operates the truck, and TEAL Mobility installed the filling stations.

How does it differ from a fuel cell?BMW Group said it is less sensitive to hydrogen quality and can offer higher availability. It is also easier to integrate into existing vehicle and maintenance structures.

Is this a first in Germany?BMW Group said it is the first use of a hydrogen combustion truck in regular operations in German car production.

Citation: LogiBridge Editorial Desk, “BMW Leipzig tests an 18-tonne hydrogen combustion truck in plant logistics,” LogiBridge, October 7, 2026. Source: BMW Group, Leipzig.