Volvo Trucks moves to hydrogen… internal combustion style!

A surprise from Gothenburg: Volvo Trucks has begun road testing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine trucks.

Published on April 7, 2026 by Fabien Calvet

A different approach, yet complementary to battery-electric and fuel cell technologies.

Objective: deliver a zero-emission solution suited for long-haul transport and regions where charging infrastructure remains limited.

At the heart of the technology: HPDI injection (already proven on gas-powered trucks), promising performance, power, and efficiency close to diesel… with drastically reduced emissions.

“Customers will be able to use them like diesel trucks,” says Volvo.

Range, operational speed, and compatibility with current use cases: Volvo is taking a pragmatic approach.

And Volvo isn’t alone in this space:

MAN is already testing hydrogen combustion engines DAF was even awarded “Innovation of the Year” by the International Truck of the Year jury for a similar concept

Clearly, hydrogen combustion is making a strong comeback… alongside electrification.

One thing is certain: the technology race is far from over and Volvo Trucks confirms hydrogen will play a key role in the future energy mix.

📅 Market launch expected before 2030.