Major truck manufacturers, including Volvo and MAN, face a significant challenge: transitioning to zero-emission vehicles while maintaining profitability. Electric batteries, while suitable for shorter distances, fall short for long-haul transportation due to weight and charging time constraints.
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a potential solution, but developing the necessary infrastructure and technology is costly and time-consuming.
To bridge this gap, truckmakers are turning to hydrogen combustion engines. This technology leverages existing manufacturing processes, reducing development costs and accelerating the transition to cleaner fuels.
MAN plans to introduce around 200 hydrogen combustion engine trucks for customer testing next year, marking a crucial step towards mass production. Volvo will follow suit, with customer trials scheduled for 2026.
Key suppliers like Bosch and Cummins support this shift, emphasizing the efficiency of repurposing existing production facilities. However, they also acknowledge the importance of hydrogen fuel cell development for specific vehicle applications.
This dual approach allows truck makers to address immediate emissions reduction targets while investing in long-term zero-emission solutions. The hydrogen combustion engine emerges as a pragmatic step forward, potentially extending the lifespan of a mature technology and reducing the environmental impact of heavy-duty transportation.
Reference- Reuters article, MAN website, Volvo website, The Verge