In early September, Volvo Trucks hosted a contingent of transportation journalists from North America at its facilities in Sweden. One highlight was an up-close examination and ride in its experimental hydrogen fuel cell tractor — and the H2 fueling process — at the truck maker's Hällered Proving Grounds, about an hour north of Gothenburg.
Up Close with Volvo's Fuel Cell Truck in Sweden [Photos]
Volvo's fuel cell FH model and a renewable natural gas FM model prepare to hit the track.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Volvo's hydrogen fuel cell FH model arrives on the test track in Hällered, Sweden.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Close-up of the grille and the hydrogen fuel sticker just above it.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Journalists line up for rides in the FCEV truck. Because this is an experimental model, no reporters were allowed behind the wheel of the truck.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
The Volvo hydrogen fuel cell tractor (on the left) and the renewable-natural-gas-powered FM model on the track in Hällered, Sweden.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Volvo's experimental FH cabover powered by hydrogen fuel cells pulls up to a hydrogen fueling station in Hällered, Sweden.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
At first glance, the hydrogen fuel dispenser doesn't look much different from a diesel or gasoline pump.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Volvo engineers hook the hydrogen dispenser to a fill port located behind the driver's door on the truck.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Unlike a conventional fuel pump, the hydrogen dispenser has to be locked in place with a lever on its handle.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
A close-up of the fueling port and gauge showing the pressure of hydrogen in the tank.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Starting the flow of hydrogen into the tanks is as simple as the push of a button.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
The configuration, time and distance required to fuel the Volvo hydrogen fuel cell tractor are all about the same as filling a conventional truck with diesel fuel.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
The hydrogen fuel cell Volvo FH model most closely resembles a CNG-powered truck, thanks to the tall, vertical structure behind the cab housing the hydrogen fuel cells.
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Volvo is testing its hydrogen fuel cell technology and plans to be ready to go to market sometime in the near future.
Photo: Volvo Trucks