(Gothenburg / Sweden) – “Our future is electric and we will no longer develop a new generation of diesel engines,” said then-President and CEO of Volvo Cars Håkan Samuelsson in 2018. And at the end of last year, the Swedes confirmed that they wanted to “go completely electric” by 2030.
Helena Alsiö, Vice President Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks. © Volvo Trucks
This project now applies not only to cars, but also to trucks that traditionally run on diesel: vehicles powered by hydrogen and fuel cells are “an important part of the emission-free product range,” explained Volvo Trucks. The fuel cell trucks introduced last year were now on public roads for the first time. The test drives took place “as an additional challenge” in the extremely cold climate above the Arctic Circle. The vehicles were used “seven days a week and in all weathers,” says Helena Alsiö, Vice President Powertrain Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
“Ideal testing conditions in northern Sweden with ice, wind and lots of snow.” © Volvo Truck
“The harsh conditions on the public roads in northern Sweden with ice, wind and lots of snow” are “an ideal test environment.” The tests confirmed the results determined in advance both digitally and on the company's limited test track near Gothenburg. No details were given.
Fuel cell trucks will be available as standard in the second half of this decade. They would be equipped with two fuel cells and deliver an electrical output of 300 kilowatt hours (408 hp). Before the market launch, practical tests will be carried out with transport companies.
The Volvo Group develops and produces fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles together with Daimler Truck.
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Volvo is testing fuel cell trucks in harsh climate conditions in northern Sweden. © Volvo Trucks
