Volvo Begins Road Testing Future Hydrogen Truck

Volvo has begun on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, representing another step in the company's global approach to decarbonizing transport. The commercial launch of Volvo's hydrogen solution is planned in Europe before 2030.

Volvo's hydrogen-powered trucks are being developed to provide higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power compared to conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology, according to Volvo.

This is due to high pressure direct injection (HPDI), a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo is already using this technology in its gas-powered trucks, with more than 10,000 units using HPDI sold globally.

"On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks," said Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management of Volvo Trucks. "I feel confident that they will be the best in the industry if you look at fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability. Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our experience with HPDI technology in more than 10,000 gas-powered trucks is strong proof of its performance."

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks. Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net zero CO2 well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel.

This reflects Volvo Trucks' three-path approach to decarbonization — battery-electric trucks, fuel-cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels such as biogas and HVO — ensuring customers can select the right technology based on their operations, infrastructure and sustainability goals.

"We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero tailpipe emission transport," said Hjelmgren. "Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize. As a global truck manufacturer, we offer a variety of decarbonization solutions and help our customers choose the best alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices."

Volvo's advanced hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting CO2 emissions, according to Volvo. The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company's broader portfolio of solutions to support the transition to zero tailpipe emission transport across global markets.

Regulatory classifications and incentives for hydrogen-powered vehicles vary by region, including in North America. A large scale deployment of hydrogen powered trucks will require the roll out of hydrogen fuel infrastructure and a competitive price on hydrogen.

For more information, visit volvotrucks.us.