Hydrogen fuel cell Volvo begins trial on public roads

Commercial Motor

May 9, 2023

Volvo has begun testing its fuel cell electric trucks in the open for the first time.

The testing is being carried out in the extreme cold of the north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle. Powered by hydrogen to produce their own onboard electricity, the test vehicles are using public roads for the first time.

“Trucks are operating seven days a week and in all types of weather. The harsh conditions on public roads in northern Sweden, with ice, wind and lots of snow, make an ideal testing environment,” said Helena Alsiö, vice president of powertrain product management at Volvo Trucks.

“I am pleased to say that the tests are going well, confirming those we carried out before, both digitally and on our confined test track close to Gothenburg.”

The fuel cell electric trucks will suitable for longer distances and where there is no charging infrastructure. Volvo expects to have the vehicles commercially available in the second half of this decade.

Tests with hauliers are due to start a few years before the commercial launch, and to speed up the development, Volvo Group has joined forces with Daimler to develop and produce fuel cell systems that are tailor-made for heavy-duty vehicles.

“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,” said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks.

For all the latest news and information dedicated to the decarbonisation of the commercial vehicle and road freight sector, check out our sister website FreightCarbonZero.com

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