VOLVO TRUCKS TESTS HYDROGEN-POWERED TRUCKS ON PUBLIC ROADS IN NORTHERN SWEDEN
Volvo Trucks, a truck company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, has introduced zero-emission hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks for the first time. The trucks use hydrogen to create their own electricity on board which enables them to perform long-distance journeys. Hydrogen-powered trucks will be an important part of Volvo Trucks’ zero-emission portfolio.
Hydrogen truck tests — Source: Volvo Trucks
These trucks will be especially suitable for long-distance trips and when using batteries alone is not an option: for example in rural areas where there is no charging infrastructure.
At the moment, hydrogen-powered trucks have already reached an important milestone and are being tested on public roads for the first time. These trucks were tested in the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, i.e. in extremely cold temperatures.
Hydrogen truck tests — Source: Volvo Trucks
Helen Alsiö, vice president of product management at Volvo, said she was pleased to report that the tests were going well, adding: «The trucks are running seven days a week in all kinds of weather. The difficult conditions on the public roads in northern Sweden, with ice, cold, wind and lots of snow, result in an ideal location to carry out the tests».
Helena Alsiö (vice president of product management at Volvo Trucks) — Source: Volvo Trucks
The Volvo electric truck with hydrogen-powered fuel cells will use two fuel units capable of generating 300 kw of electric power. Green hydrogen is an unlimited resource, which is produced by using renewable energy sources such as wind, water and the sun.
Hydrogen truck tests — Source: Volvo Trucks
To accelerate development, Volvo has joined forces with Daimler Truck, a commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Stuttgart, Germany, to develop and produce electric fuel systems made specifically for heavy-duty vehicles.
The trucks will be available in the second half of this decade and before commercial launch will be tested by hauliers.
Roger Alm (President of Volvo Trucks) — Source: Volvo Trucks
It is possible to cut CO2 already today
For those looking for zero-emission transport solutions, Volvo Trucks currently offers a wide range of trucks, with six different electric models in series production, as well as trucks that run on renewable energies such as biogas.
Volvo FM electric — Source: Volvo Trucks
Roger Alm, the president of Volvo Trucks announced: «We need to act now if we are to stop global warming. Regardless of the transport tasks or where our consumers are operating in the world, waiting is not an option. In a few years, our customers will be able to completely eliminate CO2 emissions from their trucks».