Volvo is beginning on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, representing another step in the company’s global approach to decarbonizing transport.
“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks,” Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at 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.”
The commercial launch of Volvo’s hydrogen solution is planned in Europe before 2030.
Higher Efficiency, Lower Fuel Consumption
According to Volvo, its 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. 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 utilizing HPDI sold globally.
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,” Volvo said.
Decarbonization on a Global Scale
“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,” Hjelmgren said. “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. 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.
Key Facts for Volvo Trucks with Hydrogen-Combustion Engines
- Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen-powered trucks will use the fuel-efficient HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) technology from Cespira.
- Hydrogen-powered Volvo trucks will have an operational range exceeding many customers’ daily driving distance.
- Emissions performance and regulatory classification will depend on regional standards and energy sources.
- Hydrogen can also be used to power fuel cell electric trucks, in which electricity is produced on board the truck. Fuel cell electric trucks do not emit any tailpipe emissions, only water vapor.
- Volvo Trucks’ three-path strategy to reach net-zero emissions consists of battery-electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines using renewable fuels which ensures flexibility for customers across regions, including North America, as infrastructure and energy ecosystems evolve.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
