Volvo Begins On-Road Testing Of Trucks Powered By Hydrogen Combustion Engines

Summary: Volvo Trucks has begun on-road trials of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines using High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology, which uses a small amount of ignition fuel to achieve compression ignition before hydrogen is injected. The technology is derived from Volvo’s existing diesel powertrain and builds on HPDI experience from over 10,000 gas-powered trucks already in service globally.

Key engineering takeaway: HPDI enables compression ignition of hydrogen rather than spark ignition, which Volvo says delivers higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased power compared with conventional hydrogen combustion engine approaches. The use of a diesel-derived architecture means the trucks retain diesel-like torque, drivability and operational characteristics, while achieving ZEV classification under EU CO2 standards when paired with renewable HVO as the ignition fuel.

Why it matters: Hydrogen combustion engines offer a potential decarbonisation path for long-haul heavy transport where battery-electric solutions face range, charging time and infrastructure constraints. By leveraging a proven HPDI platform already deployed at scale in gas-powered trucks, Volvo is de-risking the transition compared with clean-sheet hydrogen powertrain designs — and the ZEV classification under EU standards gives fleet operators a compliance pathway alongside battery-electric and fuel cell alternatives.

Volvo tests hydrogen trucks using High Pressure Direct Injection technology from Cespira

Volvo is taking another step towards net-zero CO₂ emissions transport by starting on‑road trials of heavy trucks with combustion engines powered by hydrogen.

Volvo’s hydrogen-powered trucks will have industry-leading performance with higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power compared to conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology.

This is due to High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo is already using this technology 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. 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,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks.

Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net zero CO₂ well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel. They are categorized as “Zero Emission Vehicles” (ZEV) under the agreed EU CO₂ emission standards.

Volvo’s advanced hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting CO₂ emissions. 

The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company’s offering of other alternatives, such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). 

“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero-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,” says Jan Hjelmgren.

Volvo’s trucks with hydrogen-combustion engine – facts:

• Volvo Trucks’ hydrogen-powered trucks will use the fuel-efficient HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) technology from Cespira, www.cespira.com
• Hydrogen-powered Volvo trucks will have an operational range exceeding many customers’ daily driving distance.
• Due to the low CO₂ emissions from hydrogen combustion, these trucks are categorized as “Zero Emission Vehicles” under the agreed EU CO₂ emission standards.
• Hydrogen can also be used to power fuel cell electric trucks, where electricity is produced on board the truck. Fuel cell electric trucks do not emit any tailpipe emissions, only water vapor. Volvo plans to launch fuel cell electric trucks in low volumes before 2030.
• Volvo Trucks’ three-path strategy to reach net-zero emissions consists of battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, and combustion engines using renewable fuels.

For more hydrogen technology news, click here.

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