Volvo Trucks has begun on‑road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, with a commercial launch planned before 2030. The vehicles use High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology developed by Cespira, in which a small amount of ignition fuel is injected at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is introduced — an approach Volvo already applies in its gas‑powered trucks, of which more than 10,000 units have been sold globally.

The truckmaker said the hydrogen combustion trucks will deliver higher energy efficiency and greater engine power than conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology, with an operational range it says will exceed many customers’ daily driving distance.

When running on green hydrogen with renewable HVO as ignition fuel, the trucks have the potential to achieve net‑zero CO₂ on a well‑to‑wheel basis.

Under agreed EU CO₂ emission standards, they are classified as zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The hydrogen combustion trucks form part of Volvo Trucks’ three‑path decarbonisation strategy alongside battery‑electric and fuel cell electric powertrains.

The company also plans to launch fuel cell electric trucks in low volumes before 2030.

In a statement, Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks, said: “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.”

Source: Volvo Trucks

Volvo Trucks begins road testing hydrogen combustion trucks

Volvo Trucks has started on‑road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines that use High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology developed by Cespira. The trucks aim to deliver higher energy efficiency and engine power than conventional hydrogen engines, offer a range that exceeds many customers’ daily driving distance, and can reach net‑zero CO₂ emissions when fueled with green hydrogen and renewable HVO. Classified as zero‑emission vehicles under EU CO₂ standards, the hydrogen combustion trucks are part of Volvo’s three‑path decarbonisation strategy, which also includes battery‑electric and fuel‑cell electric powertrains. Volvo plans to launch fuel‑cell electric trucks in low volumes before 2030, and Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management, said the new trucks will operate like diesel trucks.