Volvo has commenced on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines. This pioneering solution places Volvo at the forefront of the industry, with commercial launch planned before 2030.
Volvo’s hydrogen-powered trucks promise industry-leading performance, combining higher energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and enhanced engine power compared with conventional hydrogen combustion technology.
The breakthrough lies in High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a system in which a small amount of ignition fuel is injected at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo already employs this technology in its gas-powered trucks, with more than 10 000 units sold worldwide.
Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks, explains: “On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks. I am confident they will set the industry benchmark in fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability. Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our proven experience with HPDI technology in over 10 000 gas-powered trucks is strong evidence of its performance.”
Hydrogen combustion engine trucks are particularly suited to long-distance operations and regions where charging infrastructure is limited or turnaround times for battery-electric trucks are impractical.
When powered by green hydrogen and renewable HVO as ignition fuel, Volvo’s hydrogen combustion trucks have the potential to deliver net zero CO₂ emissions on a well-to-wheel basis. Under EU CO₂ emission standards, they are classified as “Zero Emission Vehicles” (ZEV).
Derived from Volvo’s advanced diesel powertrain, the hydrogen engine delivers diesel-like performance while substantially reducing CO₂ emissions. These trucks will complement Volvo’s portfolio of battery-electric vehicles, fuel cell electric trucks and models running on renewable fuels such as biogas and HVO.
Jan Hjelmgren adds: “We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks, and they will play a vital role in the transition to zero tailpipe emission transport. Several technologies will be required to achieve decarbonisation. As a global truck manufacturer, we provide a range of solutions and help our customers select the best option based on transport needs, infrastructure and energy prices.”
Key Facts: Volvo Hydrogen Combustion Trucks:
ZF Aftermarket has named Maic Dressen as Managing Director of ZF Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Sub-regional Head for Sub-Saharan Africa and the DomTom regions. He will lead the company’s South African operations and support its growth across the continent.
Volkswagen has marked 75 years of vehicle production and sales in South Africa with a gala event in Kariega attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, while also revealing the new Volkswagen Tengo, the third model to be built at the local plant. The Tengo will be produced for the South African and wider markets.
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
BAIC South Africa used the Festival of Motoring 2026 at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to highlight both its established range and new energy vehicle ambitions. The event marked the first public appearance of ARCFOX in South Africa, alongside the unveiling of BAIC’s X55 Plug‑in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
When Volvo introduced the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric to South Africa in late 2021, the timing raised eyebrows. The country was enduring a severe power crisis, with loadshedding recorded on 200 days that year.
Three months after launching its off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network on the N3 corridor, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has confirmed plans to double charging capacity at both Charge hubs.
