Volvo Trucks is developing a truck equipped with a combustion engine powered by hydrogen. Road testing is set to begin in 2026, with the goal of commercialization by 2029. Trucks running on green hydrogen are expected to play a vital role in achieving the net-zero goals established by the Volvo Group, aiding customers in meeting their decarbonization targets.
Using green hydrogen instead of fossil fuels presents an alternative for the decarbonization of transportation, particularly suited for long-distance travel in areas with limited charging infrastructure or where battery charging times are critical.
The Volvo hydrogen truck is currently undergoing internal vehicle testing, and Volvo Trucks plans to commence road tests for customers in 2026, aiming for commercial rollout within 2029. The hydrogen combustion engine-equipped truck will complement other alternatives provided by Volvo, including existing battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks, and trucks running on renewable fuels like biogas and HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil).
Jan Hellmgren, Head of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks, stated, “The hydrogen-powered truck, while retaining the existing internal combustion engine, is expected to offer the same performance and reliability as diesel trucks, with the added advantage of significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, it will play an important role in decarbonization, complementing Volvo Trucks’ battery electric trucks that have been on the market for several years.”
He further added, “It is clear that multiple technologies are required for the decarbonization of large transportation vehicles. As a global truck manufacturer, we must provide a variety of decarbonization solutions to support our customers, who will be able to choose suitable alternatives based on their transport needs, available infrastructure, and the price of green energy.”
The Volvo truck powered by green hydrogen features a combustion engine that uses renewable hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) as an ignition fuel, resulting in very low carbon dioxide emissions, which qualifies it as a ‘zero-emission vehicle (ZEV)’ under the new European Union (EU) carbon dioxide emissions standards.
The Volvo hydrogen truck outfitted with a hydrogen combustion engine is set to implement high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology, which allows for compression ignition by injecting a small amount of ignition fuel at high pressure before adding hydrogen. This technology offers the advantages of reducing fuel consumption while enhancing energy efficiency and engine output.
The Volvo Group has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture with the global automotive parts company Westport Fuel Systems, utilizing HPDI technology. This joint venture will officially begin operations in the second quarter of 2024 following the formal establishment procedures.
Contact: Lee Sang-jin at daedusj@autodiary.kr