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:
Imperial Motors Zambia, part of Motus Africa, has added UD Trucks to its dealership offering following an official launch in Lusaka on 1 October. The brand will be represented at three operational locations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
Euro NCAP has changed the way it tests cars. The 2026 protocols, the biggest revision in three years, restructure the assessment around four stages: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash care.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Charging time remains a worry for many South Africans considering an electric vehicle, who still see it as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. That view is starting to shift.
South Africa has taken important steps to position itself within the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, but industry stakeholders argue that further policy adjustments are needed if the country is to accelerate adoption and support long-term investment in clean transport infrastructure.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
