World’s biggest truck makers are backing hydrogen fuel
Ever wondered how the trucking industry plans to tackle emissions without sacrificing power? Hydrogen might just be the answer.
As the globe shifts toward green energy, giants like Volvo and MAN are revamping diesel engines to run on hydrogen. But why the sudden shift?
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Why hydrogen?
Hydrogen combustion engines burn hydrogen, emitting only water vapour – no CO2! Unlike electric trucks, which grapple with heavy batteries and long charging times, hydrogen trucks offer 24/7 trucking by quick refuelling and lighter weight.
Big names, big moves
Major players like Volvo and MAN are diving in to hydrogen. MAN plans to roll out 200 hydrogen trucks in Europe next year, while Volvo aims for hydrogen fuel cell trucks by mid-decade.
These giants aren’t alone – Bosch, Cummins, and even start-ups like Keyou are in the race, focusing on hydrogen as a way to keep traditional engine tech alive.
It’s a massive collaborative effort, with companies sharing technologies and strategies to accelerate the transition.
Reiner Roessner, Vice President of Sales at MAN Truck & Bus SE, when talking to Reuters, said “everybody is working on this”, highlighting the industry’s collective push toward hydrogen.
Challenges and opportunities
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The infrastructure is still catching up – and that’s really the only blocker for these rigs to set off.
Hydrogen combustion engines, while eco-friendly, can still produce some emissions like nitrogen oxides, which require special filters to manage – but this is no more difficult than a Euro 6 DPF filter on a modern diesel.
Moreover, the production and transportation of green hydrogen – produced using renewable energy – are still in their infancy.
Yet, with substantial backing from the EU, the USA, and energy giants like BP, the road ahead looks promising.
Hydrogen combustion could offer a seamless transition for fleet operators, keeping the mechanics they know whilst going green.
Future prospects and industry impact
This push towards hydrogen isn’t just about environmental responsibility – it will also support economic stability.
The shift to hydrogen could safeguard thousands of jobs in traditional engine-making and gearbox plants (to name only a couple) across Europe and North America, offering a new lease of life to an industry facing an existential crisis.
It also presents an opportunity for new investments in hydrogen infrastructure, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits.
Looking ahead
As hydrogen infrastructure grows, so will its role in trucking. The versatility of hydrogen allows it to be used alongside electric vehicles, offering a dual-pathway to achieving zero emissions.
Companies like Daimler Truck and PACCAR are already exploring hybrid solutions that combine hydrogen combustion with fuel cell technology, providing even greater flexibility for different types of freight.
So, next time you see a big rig – remember: it might just be running on the fuel of the future…and watering the shrubs at the side of the road at the same time.