Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, May 10, 2023:
Volvo recently conducted tests of its hydrogen fuel cell electric truck on public roads in Sweden for the first time.Volvo Trucks
Last year, Volvo Trucks showcased its fuel cell electric trucks for the first time. The zero-emission trucks use hydrogen to produce their own electricity onboard, making them suitable for longer transport assignments.
Now, the trucks have been tested on public roads for the first time. To make the tests extra challenging, they have been conducted above the Arctic Circle in the north of Sweden – in an extremely cold climate.
“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, VP Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks. “I am pleased to say that the tests are going well, confirming tests we carried out beforehand, both digitally and on our confined test track close to Gothenburg.”
Fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen will be especially suitable for longer distances and when using only batteries isn’t an option: for example, in rural areas with no charging infrastructure, Volvo said.
Volvo noted that fuel cell electric trucks will be commercially available in the second half of this decade, and tests with trucking companies will start a few years before the commercial launch. To speed up development, Volvo has teamed up with Daimler to develop and produce fuel cell systems for heavy-duty trucks.
