Volvo has begun on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines. Volvo’s hydrogen solution is industry-leading, and the commercial launch is planned before 2030.
Volvo is taking another step towards net-zero CO2 emissions transport by starting on‑road trials of heavy trucks with combustion engines powered by hydrogen. Volvo’s hydrogen-powered trucks will have industry-leading performance with 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 sold globally.
“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine 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,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo 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.
Find more information, available here.