Decarbonizing Road Transport: Harnessing Power Density of Hydrogen Trucks
Volvo Trucks North America Embraces a Hybrid Future of Powertrain Technologies
Trucking companies worldwide are facing pressure to transition to zero-emissions vehicles in order to reduce their carbon footprint and meet stringent government regulations. The transition to electric powertrains has already begun, with battery electric heavy- and medium-duty trucks becoming more prevalent in the market. However, the industry recognizes that a mix of powertrain technologies, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and even internal combustion engines, will be necessary to achieve a fully zero-emissions trucking future.
Volvo Trucks North America Chief Technology Officer Lars Stenqvist cautioning against a myopic approach to decarbonization. Stenqvist emphasized the importance of not banning technologies but rather focusing on the end goal of reducing emissions. He pointed out that a ban on combustion engines in California and the UK could hinder the development of alternative solutions, such as engines running on hydrogen, which he believes can be a viable option for certain applications.
Despite Volvo Trucks’ investment in electric vehicles, including one of the widest ranges of all-electric vehicles globally, Stenqvist revealed that the company will spend more money on internal combustion engine development in 2024 than ever before. This investment includes Volvo Trucks’ recent acquisition of a 45% interest in a joint venture with Westport Fuel Systems, aimed at commercializing Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) fuel system technology for long-haul and off-road applications.
The challenge in using alternative fuels like hydrogen in heavy-duty internal combustion engines lies in maintaining the power density needed for these applications while reducing emissions. Staffan Lundgren, senior technical advisor at Volvo Trucks, highlighted the importance of high-pressure direct injection systems to achieve the same power density as diesel engines while using hydrogen. Although a HPDI hydrogen engine can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%, it still produces some particulate matter, albeit significantly less than diesel fuel.
The question of fuel efficiency remains a topic of discussion in the adoption of hydrogen as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Lundgren noted that hydrogen fuel cells may offer higher efficiency compared to hydrogen ICE vehicles, but at a higher cost. Despite this, Volvo Trucks believes that both hydrogen ICE and hydrogen fuel cell technologies have a place in the market, providing fleet customers with a choice of powertrain options to meet their decarbonization goals while getting the job done efficiently.
While the cost, availability, and generation of hydrogen remain key considerations in the total cost of ownership equation, Volvo Trucks’ approach reflects a broader strategy of offering diverse powertrain technologies to meet the sustainability demands of both the industry and government regulations. By embracing a hybrid future of powertrain technologies, Volvo Trucks aims to lead the way in transitioning to a zero-emissions trucking future while still leveraging the benefits of internal combustion engines along the way.
The trucking industry’s shift towards a zero-emissions future, incorporating a mix of powertrain technologies such as battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and internal combustion engines, mirrors a larger trend in computer data centers. Just like truck manufacturers are exploring various solutions to reduce emissions, data centers are also seeking more sustainable options to power their operations. This includes utilizing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and exploring alternative technologies like liquid cooling systems. Both industries recognize the need for a diverse approach to achieve their decarbonization goals, highlighting the importance of flexibility and innovation in transitioning towards a more sustainable future.