Colleges, OEMs Team Up for Hydrogen ICE Push

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Two U.S. universities have teamed up with auto industry heavyweights including Daimler Truck North America to form the Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA).

The University of California, Riverside and University of Michigan-led alliance intends to promote the role of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source for internal combustion engines, including over-the road trucks, the alliance said March 3.

“Our goal is to leverage hydrogen as a low-carbon solution that can enhance the performance and sustainability of internal combustion engines,” said Georgios Karavalakis, co-director of H2EA-NA and professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR.

“Hydrogen-powered ICEs can provide a long-term, reliable solution, particularly for applications where battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles may not meet consumer performance requirements,” he added.

California & Michigan universities form hydrogen engine alliance. Read more ⬇️ @UCRBCOE#fuel#zerocarbonhttps://t.co/1kxHmKtBjC — UC Riverside (@UCRiverside) March 3, 2025

Karavalakis and Wayne Miller, also a professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR, will serve as co-directors of H2EA-NA alongside André Boehman, a Michigan professor of mechanical engineering.

The initial industry partners are DTNA, engine manufacturer Cummins and auto component manufacturers Mahle, Forvia and Tenneco.

DTNA — the parent company of U.S. truck brands Freightliner and Western Star — does not have any hydrogen ICE trucks, but parent company Daimler Truck is testing a number of vehicles with powertrains that use the fuel in ICE engines.

The world’s largest truck maker also is advancing its hydrogen fuel cell electric truck ambitions.

The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck is fueled with liquid hydrogen. (Daimler Truck via X)

Testing is underway in Europe of both Mercedes-Benz