Volvo announces plans to launch hydrogen-powered IC engine trucks

Key Highlights:
•    Volvo Trucks will test hydrogen combustion engine trucks in 2026 and launch them commercially by the decade's end.
•    The hydrogen trucks aim for net zero CO2 emissions and support decarbonization.
•    They suit long-distance travel and areas with limited charging infrastructure.
•    These trucks complement Volvo's battery electric and renewable fuel trucks.
•    A joint venture with Westport Fuel Systems will enhance efficiency using High-Pressure Direct Injection technology.

Volvo Trucks is developing trucks equipped with hydrogen-powered combustion engines. On-road tests with trucks powered by hydrogen in combustion engines will begin in 2026. Its commercial debut planned by the end of this decade. 

Hydrogen trucks will be especially useful for long-distance travel and in areas with limited charging infrastructure or time for battery recharge. These trucks aligns with Volvo's net zero aim and helping customers meet their decarbonization targets.

Volvo trucks with combustion engines driven by green hydrogen can deliver net zero CO2 well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel, and are classified as "Zero Emission Vehicles" (ZEV) under the agreed-upon revised EU CO2 emission regulations.

The hydrogen-powered combustion engine vehicles will complement Volvo's current offerings, which include battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks, and trucks fueled by renewable fuels such as biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

Volvo says it will begin customer testing with trucks powered by hydrogen in combustion engines in 2026, and the vehicles will be commercially available by the end of the decade. Testing is already taking place in laboratories and on vehicles. 

"Trucks with traditional internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen will have the same performance and dependability as our diesel trucks, but with the added benefit of potentially net zero CO2 emissions well-to-wheel. They will be an complement to our battery electric trucks, which have been on the market for several years," said Jan Hjelmgren, Volvo Trucks' Head of Product Management and Quality.

"It is evident that a variety of technologies are required to decarbonize heavy transportation. As a worldwide truck manufacturer, we must help our clients by providing a variety of decarbonization alternatives, from which they can pick based on transport assignment, available infrastructure, and green energy pricing," Hjelmgren noted.

High Pressure Direct Injection Technology

Volvo trucks with hydrogen-powered combustion engines will use High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a method that injects a tiny amount of ignition fuel under high pressure to allow compression ignition before hydrogen is supplied. The benefits of this technology include better energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and increased engine power.

Joint Venture with Westport Fuel Systems

Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems have agreed to form a joint venture that will leverage HPDI technology. They plan to start working together in the second quarter of 2024, after finishing all the officail formalities.

Also Read: Volvo Group and Daimler Truck Move Toward Digital Era with Joint Venture Agreement

CMV360 Says

Volvo Trucks is developing hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks, marking a significant step towards sustainable heavy transportation. By offering various decarbonization options, Volvo is leading in innovation and providing practical solutions for its global customers.

This highlights the importance of using multiple technologies to achieve a carbon-neutral future in the transport industry.