Volvo Trucks, saying hydrogen-fuel-cell trucks will be an important part of its zero-exhaust-emission product portfolio, announced that its FCEV trucks have passed an important milestone, being test-driven on public roads in the Arctic Circle.

Last year, Volvo Trucks showcased its fuel-cell electric trucks for the first time. These zero-exhaust-emission trucks use hydrogen to produce their own electricity onboard. Two fuel cells provide a capacity to generate 300 kW of electric power.

The trucks are being tested in a cold climate above the Arctic Circle in the north of Sweden.

“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,” said Helena Alsiö, vice president of powertrain product management at Volvo Trucks.

According to Volvo, fuel-cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen will be suitable for longer distances and when using only batteries isn’t an option, for example, in rural areas with no charging infrastructure.

Market Availability

The fuel-cell electric trucks will be available in the second half of this decade, according to Volvo. The company said tests with haulers 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 for heavy-duty vehicles.

Reducing Emissions Now

For haulers that want to offer zero exhaust emission transport already, Volvo Trucks currently offers six different battery-electric models globally, as well as trucks that run on renewable fuels, such as biogas. In North America, it offers the Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 model.

“In a few years, our customers will be able to completely eliminate CO2 exhaust emissions from their trucks,” said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks.