Volvo Trucks, part of the Volvo Group, has announced that it is testing its hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks on public roads for the first time, not just any public road. To make it extra challenging, the tests have been conducted in an extremely cold climate above the Arctic Circle in the north of Sweden.
Volvo’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks will use two fuel cells with a capacity to generate 300 kW of electric power. Green hydrogen is an endless resource that is produced by using renewable energy sources, such as wind, water and sun.
Emitting only water vapour, hydrogen-powered fuel cell trucks will be an important part of Volvo Trucks’ zero exhaust emission product portfolio. Now, the vehicles have passed an important milestone – namely, being test-driven on public roads. Last year, the company showcased its fuel-cell electric trucks for the first time. These zero-exhaust emission trucks use hydrogen to produce their own electricity onboard and can travel long distances, making them suitable for longer transport assignments.
Helena Alsio, VP - Powertrain Product Management, Volvo Trucks, said, “Trucks are operating seven days a week and in all types of weather. The harsh conditions on public roads in northern Sweden, with ice, wind and lots of snow, make an ideal testing environment. I am pleased to say that the tests are going well, confirming tests we carried out beforehand, both digitally and on our confined test track close to Gothenburg.”
Fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen will be especially suitable for longer distances and when using only batteries isn’t an option: for example, in rural areas with no charging infrastructure.
Commercial Applications
Volvo currently offers the industry´s broadest product line-up of battery electric trucks, with six models in series production, catering to various types of transport in and between cities. The fuel cell electric trucks will be available for commercial applications in the second half of this decade. Tests with hauliers will start a few years before the commercial launch. To speed up the development, Volvo Group has joined forces with Daimler to develop and produce fuel cell systems that are tailor-made for heavy-duty vehicles.
Possibility Of Cutting CO2
For hauliers who want to offer zero exhaust emission transport, Volvo Trucks currently offers six battery-electric models and trucks that run on renewable fuels, such as biogas.
Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks, said, “We need to act now in order to stop global warming. Regardless of the transport assignments or where in the world our customers are operating, waiting is not an option. In a few years, our customers will be able to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks.”
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