Volvo emphasizes hydrogen mobility as the future of clean transport
- Volvo Group is investing heavily in hydrogen combustion engines as part of their sustainable transport strategy.
- The U.S. hydrogen market has lost key players, highlighting the challenges in developing viable infrastructure.
- Volvo's commitment to clean transport through hydrogen technology positions them at the forefront of the industry's transformation.
In 2024, Volvo Group made significant investments in hydrogen combustion engine technology, signaling a commitment to this emerging field in clean transportation. Mr. Stenqvist, who has been with the company for a decade, oversees a diverse team of 15,000 engineers dedicated to advancing these technologies. Their effort highlights the crucial role that hydrogen mobility needs to play in the evolving transport policy landscape in Europe. Meanwhile, the U.S. heavy-duty hydrogen market has faced challenges, losing early entrants like Nikola Trucks and Hyzon Motors, who perhaps ventured into the market prematurely before the necessary infrastructure was established. Simultaneously, Volvo has maintained a robust manufacturing presence in the United States, producing around 30,000 trucks annually to meet local demand. Their continuous development of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks through partnerships — notably with Daimler Trucks for fuel cell technology and CMB.TECH for hydrogen combustion engines — underscores their adaptive strategies to mitigate environmental impact. The innovative outcomes of these joint ventures include engines capable of running on a blend of hydrogen and diesel, aiming to significantly lower CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. Additionally, a new joint venture named Cespira was launched in 2024 with Westport Fuel Systems to accelerate the advancement of high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) fuel systems for hydrogen and natural gas. This technology promises a more seamless integration of hydrogen into existing engine frameworks, aiming to open doors for cleaner fuels while leveraging diesel when hydrogen is not available. Volvo's efforts also extend into electric vehicles, where they have gained traction since 2019, focusing on key markets like Germany, the Netherlands, the U.S., Norway, and Sweden. Overall, Volvo Group's three-pronged strategy — encompassing electric, hydrogen, and diesel engines — positions them to lead in the clean transport sector while adhering to global sustainability standards. Their approach challenges industry norms and showcases an urgent transition towards greener technologies, reflecting the evolution of market demands and the growing importance of innovative solutions in tackling climate issues.