Volvo CE Begins Testing of First Prototype Hydrogen Articulated Hauler in the World
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is continuing to implement its commitment to a net-zero future. The business has begun testing the world's first fuel cell articulated hauler prototype, the Volvo HX04, following the completion of a multi-stakeholder research effort aimed at breaking new ground in hydrogen technology. As Volvo CE continues its research for future product development projects, the project's findings will provide crucial insights into the possibilities offered by hydrogen and fuel cells.
Volvo CE has expanded development in sustainable power sources to meet its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment to net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and drive industry change toward carbon neutrality.
Apart from battery-electric solutions, where Volvo CE already has the widest variety of commercial goods, the business is also looking into the electrification potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology. A significant milestone has been attained with the testing of the Volvo HX04.
Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE, said:
“Being inventors of the world’s first articulated hauler more than 55 years ago, we are happy and proud to again drive change with this fuel cell hauler concept. While an early prototype, this innovation will give valuable insights into the opportunities of hydrogen in the energy transformation alongside battery-electric solutions. We believe that by exploring multiple technologies and working in partnership we can create the best path forward to decarbonize the construction industry.”
The Volvo HX04 is the product of a research initiative funded by FFI, a national collaboration between VINNOVA, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Transport Administration to promote sustainable vehicle strategic research, innovation, and development between 2018 and 2022. Volvo CE, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, which offered driveline development and safety expertise, and PowerCell Sweden, a fuel cell-based hydrogen-electric power systems producer, were among the partners.
The six-wheel prototype was developed and built-in significant part at Volvo CE's factory in Bras, Sweden — the same area where Gravel Charlie, the world's first articulated hauler, was born in 1966, earning the Volvo HX04 the moniker "Electric Charlie." Engineers from the Technology Center in Eskilstuna, Sweden, contributed software development and knowledge gained through the centre's fuel cell test lab. Even though the concept is not commercially viable, significant insights gained from it will undoubtedly inform future production.
Because hydrogen infrastructure is still being developed, fuelling the Volvo HX04 is a critical component of the project to complete. At the Volvo CE test track in Bras, Shell erected a cutting-edge hydrogen refuelling station. H2Accelerate, cooperation of companies seeking to develop conditions for the mass market rollout of hydrogen trucks in Europe, includes both Shell and Volvo Group as founding members.
Oliver Bishop, Shell’s General Manager for Hydrogen Mobility, said:
“Providing the fueling infrastructure for this innovative project allowed Shell to demonstrate our technical capabilities in hydrogen, and enabled us to support one of our key global collaboration partners in taking another step forward in their decarbonization journey, which goes to the heart and intent of Shell’s Powering Progress strategy.”
The Volvo HX04 is charged with 12 kg hydrogen in around 7,5 minutes, allowing it to function for approximately four hours. Fuel cells work by mixing hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a chemical process that generates electricity, which runs the machine. Fuel cells produce heat as part of the process, which can be used to heat the cab. Water vapour is the only thing that fuel cells emit.
In theory, a fuel cell functions similarly to a battery, except that instead of being charged from an external source, it creates its electricity from the hydrogen onboard as needed. Vehicles driven by fuel cell electric powertrains offer similar uptime, range, and fueling times as those powered by combustion engines.
While battery-electric vehicles and biofuels are already on the market as more environmentally friendly alternatives to diesel, hydrogen-powered machines are likely to hit the market in the second half of this decade.
Source: Volvo CE
