Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks have successfully passed a crucial milestone as they were tested on public roads, emitting only water vapor. The zero exhaust emission trucks use hydrogen to generate electricity on board, making them ideal for longer transport assignments. The test was conducted in northern Sweden above the Arctic Circle, which provides an extra-challenging environment for the trucks.
Helena Alsiö, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks, commented that the tests were going well and confirmed their previous digital and confined test track tests. The fuel cell electric trucks will be available commercially in the second half of this decade and will be especially suitable for longer distances and rural areas with no charging infrastructure.
Volvo Trucks already offers six different battery electric models and renewable fuel trucks, such as biogas. To accelerate development, the company has partnered with Daimler to design and produce tailor-made fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles. The hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks will be tested with hauliers in the next few years before the commercial launch. By taking these actions, Volvo Trucks aims to eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from its trucks in a few years, as waiting is not an option to combat global warming.
Photo: Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks
“We need to act now in order to stop global warming. Regardless of the transport assignments or where in the world our customers are operating, waiting is not an option. In a few years, our customers will be able to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.
