Volvo Trucks is getting ready for fuel cell trucks (scheduled from 2025 onwards)
“We have been developing this technology for some years now, and it feels great to see the first trucks successfully running on the test track. The combination of battery electric and fuel cell electric will enable our customers to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks, no matter transport assignments”, said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.
Volvo Trucks will soon add fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen to its range of zero-emission solutions. Indeed, the Swedish manufacturer is at the forefront of electrification, as proven by a research conducted by IHS Markit, last year (here’s our post). The brand-new technology for trucks will be available in the second half of the current decade, according to the forecasts shared by Volvo Trucks. Fuel cell trucks will then complete the low- and zero-emission offer, alongside with BEVs and trucks running on renewable fuels, such as biogas.
Volvo Trucks relies on the combination of battery and fuel cell vehicles
“We have been developing this technology for some years now, and it feels great to see the first trucks successfully running on the test track. The combination of battery electric and fuel cell electric will enable our customers to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks, no matter transport assignments”, said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.
According to the news shared by Volvo Trucks, the fuel cell electric trucks will have an operational range comparable to many diesel trucks – up to 1 000 km – and a refueling time of less than 15 minutes. The total weight can be around 65 tons or even higher, and the two fuel cells have the capacity to generate 300 kW of electricity onboard.
“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks will be especially suitable for long distances and heavy, energy-demanding assignments. They could also be an option in countries where battery charging possibilities are limited”, added Roger Alm. Customer pilots will start in a few years from now and commercialization is planned for the latter part of this decade. The fuel cells will be supplied by cellcentric – the joint venture between the Volvo Group and Daimler Truck. Cellcentric will build one of Europe’s largest series production facilities for fuel-cells, specially developed for heavy vehicles.
«The supply of green hydrogen will increase significantly»
“We expect the supply of green hydrogen to increase significantly during the next couple of years, since many industries will depend on it to reduce CO2. However, we cannot wait to decarbonize transport, we are already running late. So, my clear message to all transport companies is to start the journey today with battery electric, biogas and the other options available. The fuel cell trucks will then be an important complement for longer and heavier transports in a few years from now”, stated Roger Alm.
