Volvo tests hydrogen trucks: the alternative to diesel for long-haul transport

Volvo is not focusing its strategy on a single solution. Its roadmap to zero emissions combines several technologies:

• Battery electric trucks
• Fuel cell electric trucks
• Combustion engines with renewable fuels

Within this approach, hydrogen engines are positioned as a key option for long-haul transport, where range and refueling times remain critical factors.

The goal is clear: to offer a sustainable alternative without changing the way transport companies work.

Unlike fuel cell electric trucks, these vehicles use an internal combustion engine adapted to hydrogen.

This allows them to maintain a known technological base, which facilitates both their development and maintenance.

The key: HPDI technology

The differentiating element is high-pressure direct injection (HPDI), a technology that Volvo already uses in its natural gas trucks.

Its operation is simple but effective:

• A small amount of pilot fuel is injected at high pressure
• This fuel initiates combustion
• The hydrogen is burned in a controlled manner

Thanks to this system, the following is achieved:

• Greater energy efficiency
• Improved engine performance
• Lower fuel consumption
• More stable combustion

Furthermore, the fact that this technology has already been tested in more than 10,000 gas trucks reinforces its reliability.

One of the most important aspects for transport companies is that these trucks will not require any operational changes.

According to Volvo, hydrogen trucks will offer:

• Diesel-equivalent power
• Similar torque
• Comparable on-road performance
• Same driving experience

This means they can be integrated into existing fleets without modifying routes, times, or processes.

In practice, it's a much simpler transition than other, more disruptive alternatives.

Hydrogen is not intended to replace all technologies, but rather to fill a very specific niche: long-distance transport.

Why?

Because battery-electric trucks, although very efficient, have limitations in this type of use:

• Long charging times
• Still insufficient infrastructure
• Limited range

Hydrogen trucks, on the other hand, offer:

• Greater range
• Faster refueling
• Capacity for demanding routes

That's why Volvo is targeting them directly at intensive operations and international transport.

One of the great attractions of this technology is its potential to reduce CO₂ emissions.

When green hydrogen (produced with renewable energy) and fuels such as HVO are used for ignition, these trucks can achieve net-zero emissions throughout their entire lifecycle (well-to-wheel).

Furthermore, they can be classified as:

👉 Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) according to European regulations

This offers significant advantages for companies:

• Access to restricted areas
• Compliance with future regulations
• Potential financial incentives

It's common to think that hydrogen will compete with electric trucks, but in reality, they are designed for different uses.

Battery Electric

Ideal for:

• Urban deliveries
• Short and medium distances
• Fixed routes

Hydrogen

More suitable for:

• Long distances
• Intensive transport
• Areas with limited infrastructure

The future of transport will be a combination of both technologies, not a complete replacement.

Despite its potential, hydrogen still faces a major challenge: infrastructure.

Currently, refueling stations are limited, hindering its large-scale implementation.

For this technology to become established, it will be necessary to:

• Expand the network of hydrogen refueling stations
• Reduce the cost of hydrogen
• Promote supportive policies

Even so, everything indicates that this infrastructure will grow in the coming years, especially in Europe.

For the aftermarket sector, this technology represents more of an evolution than a revolution.

By maintaining a combustion engine base, many components will remain familiar:

• Transmission
• Mechanical elements
• Part of the propulsion system

However, new key elements will also appear:

• High-pressure injection systems
• Hydrogen-specific components
• Gas storage systems

This opens up new opportunities for specialist workshops and distributors, especially in technical areas such as injection or fuel systems.

One of the strengths of this approach is that Volvo isn't starting from scratch.

Its experience with HPDI technology in thousands of gas trucks demonstrates that:

• It's a reliable solution
• It's validated under real-world conditions
• It can be scaled globally

This reduces risks and accelerates its market entry.

The transition to zero-emission transport will not depend on a single technology. Everything points to a hybrid model where each solution will have its role.

In that scenario:

• Electric vehicles will dominate the urban environment
• Hydrogen will be key for long-distance transport
• Renewable fuels will act as a bridge

Volvo's commitment to hydrogen confirms that this technology is not a distant promise, but a real solution under development.

For transport companies and the spare parts sector, adapting to this change will be fundamental in the coming years.

The path to decarbonization is already underway, and hydrogen is emerging as one of its major players.