Volvo Trucks has announced that it is developing on-road trucks with combustion engines that run on hydrogen, with testing to commence from 2026 and the commercial launch planned closer to the end of this decade.
Trucks that run on green hydrogen provide a significant step for Volvo to achieve its net zero goal and support customers to reach their decarbonization targets, the truck maker outlined in the announcement.
According to Volvo Trucks, Hydrogen trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure, or time for recharging of batteries.
While customer tests won’t commence until 2026,Volvo Trucks says testing in labs and in vehicles is ongoing.
The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement Volvo’s offering of other low- and zero-emission options, such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
“Trucks where the traditional internal combustion engine remains but runs on hydrogen will have the same performance and reliability as our diesel trucks, but with the added benefit of potentially net zero CO2 emissions well-to-wheel,” Volvo Trucks Head of Product Management and Quality, Jan Hjelmgren said.
“They will be a valuable complement to our battery electric trucks, which have been on the market for several years.”
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 and are categorised as ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ (ZEV) under the agreed new EU CO2 emission standards.
“It’s clear that several kinds of technology are needed to decarbonize heavy transport. As a global truck manufacturer, we need to support our customers by offering a variety of decarbonization solutions, and customers can choose their alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices,” Mr Hjelmgren said.
Volvo trucks with hydrogen-powered combustion engines will feature 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. The advantages of this technology include higher energy efficiency with lower fuel consumption, and increased engine power.
Volvo Group has signed an agreement with Westport Fuel Systems to establish a joint venture utilising HPDI technology, with the venture is anticipated to become operational in the second quarter of 2024, following formal closing.
