Video: Volvo’s hydrogen trucks tested on public roads

Volvo is testing its hydrogen powered trucks on public roads for the first time above the Arctic Circle in Sweden’s north.

The company first showcased its fuel cell technology last year, and the latest tests are being held in an extremely cold climate to make it “extra challenging”, the company says.

The trucks are operating seven days a week 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,” says Volvo Trucks powertrain product management vice president Helena Alsiö.

“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.”

Volvo offers six battery electric truck models in series production, catering to a wide variety of transport in and between cities.

The fuel cell electric trucks will be available in the second half of this decade, says the company, adding they will have up to 1000km range and will take less than 15 minutes to refuel.

The total weight can be around 65 tonnes or higher, and the two fuel cells have the capacity to generate 300kW of electricity onboard.

Got to TransportTalk for more on this story.