Volvo, a leader in technology and safety, is now introducing hydrogen-powered commercial trucks. On-road tests for these trucks will begin in 2026, with a global launch planned by the decade’s end. Trucks running on green hydrogen are crucial to Volvo’s net zero goal and supporting customers in achieving their decarbonisation targets.
Hydrogen-powered innovation
Hydrogen-powered trucks offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, especially suitable for long distances and regions with limited charging infrastructure.
Volvo will start customer tests in 2026, with commercial availability towards the decade’s end. Lab and vehicle testing are already under way. These trucks will complement Volvo’s existing range, including battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks running on renewable fuels like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
Performance and reliability
“Trucks with traditional internal combustion engines running on hydrogen will perform as reliably as our diesel trucks, but with significantly lower CO2 emissions,” says Jan Hjelmgren, the head of product management and quality at Volvo Trucks. These trucks are expected to deliver net zero CO2 emissions when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel, classifying them as zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) under the European Union’s (EU) new CO2-emission standards.
Diverse decarbonisation solutions
“As a global truck manufacturer, we need to offer a variety of decarbonisation solutions for our customers,” says Hjelmgren. Hydrogen-powered combustion engines, featuring high pressure direct injection (HPDI), will provide higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power.
Volvo Group has partnered with Westport Fuel Systems to establish a joint venture utilising HPDI technology, set to become operational in the second quarter of 2024.
Hydrogen projects in South Africa
South Africa is progressing with several green hydrogen projects. “Examples include the ‘Hydrogen Valley’ feasibility study and the ‘Boegoebaai Hydrogen Cluster’ in the Northwest Province,” says Eric Parry, senior manager of sustainable solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa. These projects will enable the testing and introduction of hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles in the region.
Conclusion
Hydrogen-powered Volvo trucks will have an operational range comparable to many diesel trucks. These trucks are categorised as ZEVs under the EU’s new CO2 emission standards due to low emissions from hydrogen combustion. These engines emit minimal nitrogen oxides and particles and hydrogen can also power fuel cell electric trucks, emitting only water vapour.
Source: Tanje Wandrag
