Volvo Trucks has begun on-road testing of hydrogen combustion engines, with a commercial launch planned before 2030.
The trucks feature High Pressure Direct Injection (HDPI) technology – already used in Volvo’s gas-powered trucks – which provides the new hydrogen-powered vehicles higher efficiency, lower fuel consumption and greater engine power than conventional hydrogen combustion systems, it said.
This is achieved by injecting a small amount of ignition fuel with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added.
Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be suitable for longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging battery-electric trucks, the manufacturer added.
Volvo Trucks units with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net zero CO2 well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel, with the vehicles categorised as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) under the agreed EU CO2 emission standards.
Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting carbon emissions, it said.
The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company’s offering of other alternatives, such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks, said:
“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.”
Image courtesy of Volvo Trucks
