Volvo has begun on-road testing of heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines.
The company’s advanced hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting CO2 emissions.
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 the company.
Why Are Volvo’s Hydrogen Combustion Engines Different?
These trucks utilize High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a compact amount of ignition fuel is injected with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added.
Volvo is already applying this technology in its natural-gas-powered trucks, with more than 10,000 units applying HPDI sold globally.
“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks,” stated Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks, in a news release. “Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks.
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, according to the company.
Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net-zero CO2 well-to-wheel when applying renewable diesel as ignition fuel.
Volvo’s Multiple Paths to Decarbonization
This reflects Volvo Trucks’ three-path approach to decarbonization:
- Battery-electric trucks
- Fuel-cell electric trucks
- Trucks that run on renewable fuels such as biogas and renewable diesel
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 rollout of hydrogen fuel infrastructure and a competitive price on hydrogen.
Hydrogen-Powered Volvo Trucks at a Glance
- Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen-powered trucks will utilize 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 depfinish on regional standards and energy sources.
- Hydrogen can also power fuel cell electric trucks, in which electricity is produced on board. 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 applying renewable fuels, which ensures flexibility for customers across regions, including North America, as infrastructure and energy ecosystems evolve.
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