Volvo Trucks has begun on‑road testing of heavy‑duty trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, marking a significant step in the company’s global decarbonization strategy.
The manufacturer plans to commercially launch its hydrogen solution in Europe before 2030, positioning the technology as a complement to its battery‑electric and fuel‑cell electric platforms.
These hydrogen‑powered trucks are being developed to deliver “higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power compared to conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology.”
The trucks use High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a system in which a small amount of ignition fuel is injected at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added.
Volvo already uses HPDI in its gas‑powered trucks, with more than 10,000 units sold globally.
“On‑road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks,” said Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo 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.”
Volvo noted that hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable for long‑haul routes and regions where charging infrastructure is limited or where downtime for battery‑electric recharging is not feasible. When powered by green hydrogen and using renewable HVO as the ignition fuel, the trucks have the potential to deliver net‑zero CO₂ emissions on a well‑to‑wheel basis.
The hydrogen platform is part of Volvo Trucks’ three‑path decarbonization strategy, which includes battery‑electric trucks, fuel‑cell electric trucks, and combustion engines running on renewable fuels such as biogas and HVO.
“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks, and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero tailpipe emission transport,” Hjelmgren said. “Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize.”
Volvo’s hydrogen combustion engine is derived from its diesel powertrain, enabling diesel‑like performance while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
The company noted that regulatory classifications and incentives for hydrogen‑powered vehicles vary by region, including in North America. Large‑scale deployment will require expanded hydrogen fueling infrastructure and competitive hydrogen pricing.
Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen‑powered trucks will use HPDI technology supplied by Cespira. The trucks are expected to offer operational ranges exceeding many customers’ daily driving distances.
Emissions performance will depend on regional standards and the source of hydrogen used.
Volvo also pointed out that hydrogen can power fuel‑cell electric trucks, which emit only water vapor.
Volvo Trucks North America is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, and offers diesel, alternative‑fuel, and all‑electric vehicles and operates as part of the global Volvo Trucks organization. For more information, visit www.volvotrucks.us.