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World’s biggest truckmakers are shifting to hydrogen to advance green transition: Major truck manufacturers like Volvo and MAN are developing hydrogen combustion engines as a quicker, cost-effective alternative to diesel in a bid to accelerate their transition to low-emission technologies, Reuters reported last week. The approach leverages existing manufacturing lines, providing a more immediate solution compared to the heavier and slower-charging electric batteries. Truckmakers are also investing in hydrogen fuel cells, which they believe can coexist with combustion engines for different vehicle types and uses.
But there are challenges: Burning hydrogen can produce harmful emissions, necessitating filters, Michael Krueger, senior VP for engineering at Bosch said. The technology will also require larger and pressurized tanks than the ones used in traditional combustion engines. The availability of green hydrogen is also an issue, slowing the rollout of necessary fueling infrastructure for the struggling industry.
While hydrogen combustion engines may not dominate sales, they are expected to play a substantial role in the industry’s transition to greener technologies. Companies like Germany’s Bosch and US’s Cummins are working to overcome the challenges, with Cummins aiming to have market-ready products within five years. Munich-based commercial vehicles provider MAN also plans to deliver 200 hydrogen-powered trucks to European customers next year for fleet testing.
