Volvo Develop Hydrogen Combustion Engine Trucks
A strategic collaboration with India for production by 2026, Volvo Trucks is advancing its commitment to decarbonising heavy transport and road testing these innovative trucks for India’s transport sector.
A significant step towards decarbonising heavy transport is the development of trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines and on-road testing of these innovative trucks by 2026, with a commercial launch anticipated towards the end of the decade. This development in Volvo’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions provides a crucial solution for customers looking to decarbonise their transport fleets.
Key Developments:
- Hydrogen-Powered Trucks: The development of trucks that run on green hydrogen using combustion engines provides a practical pathway to decarbonising heavy transport over long distances and in areas with limited charging infrastructure or insufficient time for battery recharging.
- On-Road Testing and Commercial Launch: Customer trials of these hydrogen-powered trucks will commence in 2026, with commercial availability projected towards the end of the decade. Laboratory and vehicle testing is ongoing, ensuring these trucks will complement Volvo’s existing range, including battery-electric trucks, fuel-cell electric trucks, and trucks powered by renewable fuels such as biogas and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
According to Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks, these hydrogen-powered trucks will deliver the same performance and reliability as traditional diesel trucks, with the added benefit of potentially net zero CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel. These trucks will be classified as “Zero Emission Vehicles” (ZEV) under the new EU CO2 emission standards.
These trucks will incorporate Volvo’s advanced High-Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology that uses a small amount of ignition fuel injected at high pressure enabling compression ignition before hydrogen is added, resulting in higher energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced engine power.
India Collaboration: A Step Towards Global Decarbonisation
To accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, Volvo Trucks has entered into a strategic partnership with leading Indian Automobile companies to initiate local production of hydrogen combustion engine trucks in India by 2026, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to global decarbonisation efforts.
- Local Manufacturing: Establishing production units in India to manufacture hydrogen-powered trucks for domestic use and export, enhancing the availability of these vehicles in Asia and beyond.
- Technology Transfer: Sharing Volvo’s HPDI technology with Indian partners, fostering innovation in the Indian automotive sector.
Supporting India’s Green Goals: Contributing to India’s carbon reduction targets and adopting green hydrogen as part of the country’s broader energy strategy. - Economic and Environmental Impact: Generating extreme economic benefits through profits because of the population while also reducing air pollution and improving the environmental footprint of India’s transport sector.
Global Impact and Future Prospects:
This collaboration not only strengthens Volvo Trucks’ commitment to decarbonisation but also positions India as a key player in the global transition to sustainable transportation. As Volvo Trucks progresses with its hydrogen-powered truck initiatives, the partnership with Indian companies will provide a diverse range of zero-emission transport solutions worldwide.
