Volvo has agreed to utilise Westport Fuel Systems Inc.’s fuel system technology in on-road testing of heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen.
The trials will utilise the HPDI (High Pressure Direct Injection) fuel system developed by Cespira, a joint venture between Volvo AB and Westport. Volvo plans to launch the technology commercially before 2030.
Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, which require entirely new vehicle architectures, the HPDI system allows manufacturers to retain the traditional internal combustion engine.
By substituting diesel with hydrogen, the system delivers nearly 100 per cent carbon dioxide reductions while maintaining the power, torque, and efficiency required for heavy-haulage applications.
“On-road testing is a key milestone in demonstrating that Cespira’s hydrogen HPDI fuel system is a cost-effective solution that operates on a zero-carbon fuel while delivering best-in-class power, torque, and efficiency,” said Dan Sceli, CEO of Westport.
“Hydrogen use in an internal combustion engine with Cespira’s HPDI fuel system delivers nearly 100 per cent CO2 reductions over diesel-fuelled trucks while allowing OEMs to preserve their existing engine architecture, leverage existing engineering talent and experience, installed investments, and decades of technology development in vehicle powertrain design, supply chain, and manufacturing.”
The hydrogen-powered HPDI system is an evolution of a well-established commercial platform already used in over 10,000 Volvo LNG trucks worldwide.
The hydrogen-powered version of HPDI uses fundamentally the same system that has been proven for LNG with a few small variations.
The technology is also capable of being classified as a Zero Emissions Vehicle under stringent international standards.
Beyond the tailpipe, the shift to green hydrogen, produced from water using renewable energy, offers a pathway to true energy independence and fuel security.
Westport is a leading supplier of affordable, alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies that enable the transition from traditional fuels to cleaner energy solutions