Volvo is taking another step towards net-zero CO2 emissions transport by starting on‑road trials of heavy trucks with combustion engines powered by hydrogen. Due to high pressure direct injection (HPDI), the trucks are expected to demonstrate industry-leading performance with higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power compared to conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology.
HPDI is a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected with high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. Volvo is already using this technology in its gas-powered trucks, with more than 10,000 units sold globally. The trucks will use HPDI from Cespira.
“On-road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks. I feel confident that they will be the best in the industry if you look at fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability. Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our experience with HPDI technology in more than 10,000 gas-powered trucks is strong proof of its performance,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks. Powered by green hydrogen, they have the potential to deliver net zero CO2 well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel. They are categorized as “Zero Emission Vehicles” under the agreed EU CO2 emission standards. The advanced hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting CO2 emissions.
They will complement the company’s offering of other alternatives such as battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels, like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero tailpipe emission transport. Several technologies will be needed to decarbonize. As a global truck manufacturer we offer a variety of decarbonization solutions and help our customers choose the best alternative based on transport assignment, available infrastructure and green energy prices,” says Hjelmgren.
Hydrogen can also be used to power fuel cell electric trucks where electricity is produced on board the truck and there are no tailpipe emissions, only water vapor, notes the company. Volvo plans to launch fuel cell electric trucks in low volumes before 2030.
Cespira is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Westport that is dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions with a particular focus on developing and commercializing HPDI technology for heavy-duty engines. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Westport is a developer of alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies. It designs and manufactures components and systems that enable the transition from traditional fuels to cleaner energy solutions. Its technologies support a wide range of clean fuels including natural gas, renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
“On-road testing is a key milestone in demonstrating that Cespira’s hydrogen HPDI fuel system is a cost-effective solution that operates on a zero-carbon fuel while delivering best-in-class power, torque and efficiency,” said Dan Sceli, Chief Executive Officer of Westport. “Hydrogen use in an internal combustion engine with Cespira’s HPDI fuel system delivers nearly 100% CO2 reductions over diesel fueled trucks while allowing OEMs to preserve their existing engine architecture, leverage existing engineering talent and experience, installed investments, and decades of technology development in vehicle powertrain design, supply chain, and manufacturing.”
The Cespira HPDI fuel system is used in over 10,000 Volvo LNG trucks worldwide. The hydrogen powered version of HPDI uses fundamentally the same system that has been proven for LNG with a few small variations. See www.volvo.com, www.cespira.com.
