Volvo Trucks is set to develop trucks with combustion engines that run on hydrogen with on-road tests to begin in 2026.
The Swedish manufacturer says a commercial launch is planned for the end of the decade.
The initiative supports Volvo’s goal of decarbonising heavy transport and aiding customers in achieving their decarbonisation targets.
Volvo’s new trucks, equipped with combustion engines that run on green hydrogen, aim to provide an alternative to fossil fuels, particularly for long-distance travel and regions with limited charging infrastructure.
The trucks will complement Volvo’s existing range of battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks, and trucks running on renewable fuels such as biogas and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management and quality at Volvo Trucks, stated: “Trucks retaining the traditional internal combustion engine but running on hydrogen will deliver the same performance and reliability as our diesel trucks, with the added benefit of potentially net zero CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel.”
Testing of the technology is already underway in labs and vehicles.
The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will adhere to the new EU CO2 emission standards, being classified as “Zero Emission Vehicles” (ZEV).
Highlighting the need for multiple technologies to decarbonise heavy transport, Hjelmgren added: “As a global truck manufacturer, we need to support our customers by offering a variety of decarbonisation solutions, allowing them to choose based on their transport needs, available infrastructure, and green energy prices.”
The hydrogen-powered trucks will feature high pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology, which enables compression ignition before hydrogen is added, resulting in higher energy efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
Volvo Group has signed an agreement with Westport Fuel Systems to establish a joint venture for utilising HPDI technology, expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2024.
