Hydrogen fuel cells and
combustion engines
Hydrogen fuel is a paradigm shifter that can play a major role alongside battery electrification and other renewable fuels in creating the carbon-neutral societies of tomorrow. Learn how Volvo Group is collaborating to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen with its New Energy Vehicle propulsion systems.
The case for hydrogen
The rapid development of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engine technologies is set to deliver a paradigm shift in commercial transportation in the coming years.
Hydrogen's untapped potential in the following operational conditions is undeniable:
- Long-distance transport
- Heavy payloads
- High vehicle utilization
- Rapid refueling requirements
- Operations with limited charging access or limited available power
As a result, Volvo Group is actively testing both hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion solutions which will come to market at large scale before 2030.
Hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines represent a clear focus for us alongside battery electric vehicles and renewable fuels (such as biogas and HVO) in the combustion engine. This is what we call our three-path approach to decarbonization.
Scaling hydrogen across Europe
An industry-wide ecosystem is required, not a single solution
Hydrogen mobility only becomes commercially viable when vehicles, fuel supply and refueling infrastructure scale together. That's why Volvo Group joined Daimler Truck, Toyota Motor Corporation, Bosch, Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, TEAL Mobility and MB Energy to announce coordinated plans covering the full hydrogen value chain - from truck manufacturing and fuel cell technology to hydrogen production, liquefaction and high-throughput refueling stations.
Volvo Group's commitment
Volvo Group is investing significant amounts into hydrogen power solutions - both fuel-cell and hydrogen-combustion trucks - targeting market rollout towards 2030. This builds on our three-path strategy to net-zero emissions: battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, and combustion engines running on renewable fuels, giving customers flexibility as infrastructure and energy ecosystems mature in each region.
Leveraging the German model
Volvo Group and its partners are calling for aligned support from national governments and the European Commission to replicate this success continent-wide - including synchronized funding for refueling stations and vehicles aligned to EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets, harmonized renewable-fuel credit mechanisms, and toll incentives that reward zero-emission operation.
Volvo has already begun on-road testing of heavy trucks powered by hydrogen combustion engines, and hydrogen fuel cell trucks continue to be developed through our cellcentric joint venture. Commercial launch of Volvo's hydrogen solutions in Europe is targeted before 2030.
What needs to happen to make hydrogen commercially viable
Delivering competitive total cost of ownership for hydrogen trucks - versus diesel - depends on three things happening together:
- Lowering truck cost through purchase incentives and series production.
- Reaching a diesel-competitive hydrogen price through a more efficient hydrogen supply chain and Greenhouse Gas quota mechanisms.
- Operating incentives, such as zero-emission toll exemptions, that reward fleet operators for making the switch.
Development of infrastructure to support the transition
Scaling hydrogen infrastructure requires synchronized investment across the value chain - from renewable hydrogen production and liquefaction, to strategically located high-throughput refueling stations capable of serving large truck fleets, to final distribution. Volvo Group, together with energy partners including Air Liquide, TotalEnergies and MB Energy, is mobilizing capacity across both liquid and gaseous hydrogen supply chains, reinforced by the EU's RED III directive driving growth in industrial renewable hydrogen production.
Governments and industry need to work together
Germany has demonstrated how targeted public policy combined with industrial collaboration can unlock scalable deployment. Replicating this at a European scale calls for synchronized funding calls for infrastructure aligned with AFIR targets, harmonized renewable fuel credit mechanisms, and coordinated de-risking of the value chain - from production through to vehicle operation. Volvo Group continues to advocate for this aligned approach with national governments and the European Commission.
The technology roadmap
- Why hydrogen?
- About hydrogen fuel cells
- cellcentric fuel cells
- Cespira hydrogen combustion
- Off-road, marine, and industrial solutions
Green hydrogen and transportation
Hydrogen is a high-energy, zero-emission fuel choice for vehicles. When used in fuel cells, it produces electricity to power an electric motor. It can aslso be used to power combustion engines like natural gas. It's suitable for larger vehicles where battery weight could be prohibitive. Hydrogen fuel is also appealing because it can be produced from various domestic resources, potentially reducing dependence on imported oil.
Hydrogen is important for the future because it can be a versatile, clean, and abundant energy carrier. It can store surplus renewable energy and release it when needed, easing a shift to more sustainable energy systems. Hydrogen can decarbonize sectors where direct electrification is challenging, like heavy industry and long haul transport, and contribute to energy security.
What needs to be done to make the shift possible.
To shift to hydrogen on a large scale, investments in production, storage, and distribution infrastructure are needed. Developing cost-effective methods for producing green hydrogen from renewable sources is crucial. Additionally, governments and industries must collaborate to create incentives and regulations that encourage the adoption of hydrogen technologies.
Environmental benefits
The primary environmental benefit of using hydrogen fuel cells in trucks is the significant reduction in harmful emissions. Fuel cells emit no pollutants—only water vapor and heat. This can contribute to improved air quality and a reduction in the transportation sector's impact on climate change.
Hydrogen versus traditional fuels
Hydrogen offers several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. It can be produced from water, making it almost inexhaustible. Hydrogen combustion is clean, with water being the only byproduct, compared to the CO2 and other harmful emissions from gasoline or diesel. The main challenge for hydrogen is the current lack of infrastructure for distribution and refueling compared to established oil networks.
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Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use a hydrogen fuel cell to power an electric motor. Instead of storing energy in a battery, FCEVs store hydrogen gas in tanks and convert the gas into electricity using a fuel cell and a smaller battery for energy recovery and acceleration support. This process is efficient and clean, with water vapor being the only emission. FCEVs can be refueled quickly, much like conventional vehicles, and offer a longer range than most battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are an efficient power source for trucks, construction equipment buses and industrial or marine applications, as they benefit from a high energy-to-weight ratio. Unlike batteries, which add weight and require longer recharge times, fuel cells can power heavy loads over longer distances and be refueled quickly. This efficiency is a major advantage for long haul trucking, where minimizing downtime is crucial.
Hydrogen fuel cells and trucks
At Volvo Group we see hydrogen fuel cells as one of the key enablers of fossil-free transportation systems, supporting our transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Through the use of hydrogen in both fuel cell and combustion applications, we believe that we can offer a competitive long-term balance of power, flexibility, and range, with the benefit of zero emissions. Both hydrogen fuel cell technology and hydrogen powered combustion engines will be needed to decarbonize commercial transports.
Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen is used as a fuel for vehicles, in chemical production, and as an energy storage medium. In vehicles, it powers fuel cells for electric trucks, buses, construction equipment and cars. It's also used in industrial processes, such as oil refining and ammonia production, and can store excess energy from renewable sources.
A hydrogen fuel cell works by passing hydrogen through the anode, where it is split into electrons and protons. The electrons flow through an external circuit to produce electricity, while the protons move through a membrane to the cathode. At the cathode, electrons, protons, and oxygen from the air combine to form water.
Hydrogen fuel cells are more efficient than traditional internal combustion engines because they convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy, reducing energy loss from heat. They also emit only water vapor, while traditional engines run on fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles can be sustainable, especially when hydrogen is produced from renewable sources. They offer a high-energy, low-emission alternative to fossil fuels. However, sustainability depends on the entire lifecycle of the vehicle, including production, operation, and disposal.
As the use of hydrogen in the transport and infrastructure industry accelerates its availability for use in combustion engines and for fuel cells will become more common. We foresee that many of today’s fuel stations will begin to offer hydrogen and hydrogen production facilities will increase in number to support this. Alternatively, some businesses may invest in on-site hydrogen production and refueling capabilities, especially in fleet operations.
Building fuel cells in our joint venture - cellcentric
cellcentric is a joint venture between Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG and Toyota Motor Corporation. cellcentric takes advantage of the experience gathered over several decades of development work on fuel cells within its owner companies. cellcentric’s ambition is to become a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells, and thus help the world take a major step towards climate-neutral and sustainable transportation by 2050. It will achieve this by developing, producing, and commercializing fuel cell systems for use in heavy-duty trucks, and other applications.
Understanding hydrogen combustion engines
Hydrogen combustion engines work by burning hydrogen in a conventional internal combustion engine, changed to manage the high-speed combustion of hydrogen. They run on similar principles as diesel engines but require specific technologies, such as specialized fuel injectors and ignition systems. These help to manage the distinct characteristics of hydrogen. We believe that hydrogen combustion engines have the potential to offer a competitive total cost of ownership and could prove a great complement to other propulsion technologies.
Hydrogen combustion technology
In March 2024, Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems established a joint venture called Cespira to develop high-pressure gas injection fuel systems (HPDI) for long haul and off-road applications.
HPDI enables the world's trucking and off-road equipment manufacturers to address the challenges of meeting the regulatory requirements of Euro 7 and the US EPA while offering end users affordable options that are powered by carbon neutral fuels like biogas, zero carbon fuels like green hydrogen and other renewable fuels. The HPDI fuel system consists of a fully integrated "tank to injector" solution, based on diesel technology.
At the heart of the engine is a revolutionary patented injector with a dual concentric needle design. A small amount of pilot fuel (which can be HVO, or diesel fuel) is injected into the cylinder prior to the gas, to initiate the ignition resulting in a reduction of almost 97% of CO2 emissions, and only a small amount of NOx and particles, in-line with the existing Euro 6 and proposed Euro 7 emission regulations.
We see hydrogen combustion engines as eminently suitable for long haul applications where there is limited access to, or time for, recharging, and refueling options are limited.
Hydrogen combustion technology is a key element in the ongoing transition to net zero emissions that will support our customers' journey and investments in reducing their carbon footprint.
Off-road, marine and industrial applications
We see hydrogen fuel cells as one vital element in powering construction equipment, like our articulated hauler HX04 prototype and other such applications in the coming years. As with hydrogen fuel cell powered trucks, such applications will also rely on the availability of local or onsite hydrogen generation and refueling infrastructure.
Hydrogen dual engine from Volvo Penta
As with both transport and construction, hydrogen as a fuel for industrial and marine applications makes perfect sense. In this case we are talking about a dual-fuel solution which increases flexibility and helps to make today’s combustion engines hydrogen-ready in advance of the rollout of hydrogen production and refueling facilities. This same technique of using hydrogen as a combustion engine fuel will offer further options as the transition to fossil-free fuels continues.
