Volvo Trucks has taken a significant step in its journey towards decarbonised transport, beginning real-world testing of heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines.
The Swedish commercial vehicles giant said it is positioning this technology as a key pillar in its long-term strategy, with a commercial rollout targeted before the end of the decade.
According to Volvo, these new hydrogen-powered trucks are designed to deliver strong performance while improving efficiency. Compared to traditional hydrogen combustion solutions, Volvo’s approach promises greater energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced engine output.
At the core of this advancement is High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a system that introduces a small amount of ignition fuel at high pressure to initiate combustion before hydrogen is injected. This method enables compression ignition, improving both power and efficiency. Volvo already applies HPDI in its gas-powered truck range, with over 10,000 units deployed worldwide, demonstrating the reliability of the technology.
On-road tests an important milestone
“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,” said Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
The hydrogen combustion trucks are expected to be particularly effective for long-haul operations, especially in areas where charging infrastructure is limited or where downtime for battery-electric charging is impractical.
When powered by green hydrogen and paired with renewable HVO as ignition fuel, these trucks have the potential to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions across the entire fuel lifecycle. Under European Union emissions regulations, they are classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV).
Hydrogen platform built on existing diesel powertrain
Volvo has built this hydrogen engine platform using its existing diesel powertrain foundation, allowing it to maintain familiar performance characteristics while significantly reducing emissions.
Rather than relying on a single solution, Volvo continues to develop multiple pathways to decarbonization. Hydrogen combustion trucks will sit alongside battery-electric models, fuel cell electric vehicles, and trucks 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. Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize. As a global truck manufacturer we offer a variety of decarbonization solutions and help our customers choose the best alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices,” said Hjelmgren.
Key facts about Volvo’s hydrogen combustion trucks:
• The trucks utilise HPDI fuel injection technology developed by Cespira, improving combustion efficiency and overall performance.
• Their driving range is designed to exceed the typical daily distance requirements of many transport operators.
• Thanks to minimal CO2 emissions from hydrogen use, they qualify as Zero Emission Vehicles under EU standards.
• Hydrogen can also generate electricity in fuel cell trucks, which emit only water vapor; Volvo plans limited fuel cell truck deployment before 2030.
• Volvo’s roadmap to net-zero relies on three main technologies: battery-electric trucks, fuel cell electric vehicles, and combustion engines running on renewable fuels.
