Mahle, a Stuttgart-based supplier specializing in components for electrification, thermal management, and internal combustion engines, has secured a series order from engine manufacturer Deutz. This partnership focuses on the development and supply of components for hydrogen engines, marking a notable shift in the automotive industry’s approach to climate neutrality.
This collaboration are Mahle’s power cell units, which include the piston, piston ring pack, and piston pin. Deutz plans to integrate these components into stationary hydrogen engines by the end of 2024. Mahle has refined its aluminum piston and piston ring pack, traditionally used in diesel engines, to meet the unique challenges posed by hydrogen combustion. A primary focus has been on optimizing the gas mixture forced into the crankcase during the combustion process while managing oil consumption effectively.
“Through rigorous testing across various engine classes, we have verified the reliability of our hydrogen components,” Mahle stated, highlighting their commitment to innovation in this area.
Deutz aims to broaden the application of hydrogen engines beyond stationary power generation. The company is actively exploring technology development for the off-highway sector, which includes agriculture and construction. Dr. Sebastian C. Schulte, Chairman of the Management Board at Deutz, emphasized the need for diverse technological solutions to keep industries moving. “What a climate-neutral excavator or combine harvester will look like remains to be seen,” he noted.
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He further elaborated on the company’s vision, stating, “Our successful pilot projects demonstrate the potential in the commercial vehicle sector. With Mahle, we now have a strong partner to help us enter series production of our hydrogen engines at the end of 2024.” This partnership symbolizes a pivotal moment in the push for climate-neutral machinery and vehicles.
Mahle’s extensive experience in developing engine systems for hydrogen and other climate-neutral fuels positions the company as a leader in this field. In March 2021, Mahle inaugurated a new 1,400-square-meter test center dedicated to hydrogen applications at its Stuttgart facility, further underlining its commitment to this innovative technology.
“We see hydrogen as an important building block for sustainable mobility, especially in the commercial vehicle sector,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of Mahle’s Management Board and CEO. “This project with Deutz is a milestone with a lighthouse effect because it shows that there are other technological levers besides electrification to achieve climate neutrality.”
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The collaboration between Mahle and Deutz highlights a broader trend in the automotive industry—an increasing focus on alternative energy sources to combat reliance on fossil fuels. While electric vehicles (EVs) have dominated green automotive initiatives in recent years, the Mahle-Deutz partnership illustrates a growing recognition of hydrogen as a viable alternative.
Franz spoke at the “Hydrogen Motor LIVE” event, hosted by the Hydrogen Motor Alliance e.V. at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany, where he emphasized the importance of diversifying energy options. “Hydrogen will play a key role in the transportation industry in the upcoming years,” he asserted, advocating for a multifaceted approach to achieving climate goals.
With the ambitious timeline set for the end of 2024, Mahle has confirmed the readiness of its hydrogen components for practical application. The first products will cater to the construction and agriculture sectors, where the demand for sustainable machinery is increasing.
