Volvo’s hydrogen-powered trucks will have industry-leading performance with higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption and increased engine power compared to conventional hydrogen combustion engine technology. This is due to High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a smalamount 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.
“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. Volvo trucks with combustion engines powered by green hydrogen have the potential to deliver net zero CO2 well-to-wheel when using renewable HVO as ignition fuel.
This reflects Volvo Trucks’ three-path approach to decarbonization—battery-electric trucks, fuel-cell electric trucks and trucks that run on renewable fuels such as biogas and HVO—ensuring customers can select the right technology based on their operations, infrastructure and sustainability goals.
“We see great potential for hydrogen combustion engine trucks and they will have a role to play in the transformation to zero-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,” said Hjelmgren.
Volvo’s advanced hydrogen engine technology is derived from its diesel powertrain, delivering diesel-like performance while substantially cutting CO2 emissions. The hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement the company’s broader portfolio of solutions to support the transition to zero-emission transport across global markets, including North America. Regulatory classifications and incentives for hydrogen-powered vehicles vary by region, including in North America. A large scale deployment of hydrogen powered trucks will require the roll out of hydrogen fuel infrastructure and a competitive price on hydrogen.
Volvo’s trucks with hydrogen-combustion engine – facts:
Volvo Trucks’ three-path strategy to reach net-zero emissions consists of battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, and combustion engines using renewable fuels which ensures flexibility for customers across regions, including North America, as infrastructure and energy ecosystems evolve.
April 1, 2026
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Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization.
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2025 approximately 120,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.