Volvo tests the world’s first hydrogen-fueled articulated hauler

Source: Michelle Lewis | · ELECTREK · | June 17, 2022

Source: Swedish manufacturing giant Volvo Construction Equipment has begun to test the world’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered articulated hauler.

Volvo’s first hydrogen-fueled articulated hauler

Articulated haulers are very large, heavy-duty dump trucks used to carry bulky loads over rough terrain and occasionally on public roads. They feature a swivel joint, so they are able to move – or articulate – to keep the cab stable.

Volvo’s HX04 articulated hauler, which is the result of a research project that started in 2018, is charged with 12 kg of hydrogen in around 7.5 minutes, which enables it to operate for around four hours.

Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen. The resulting chemical reaction produces electricity that powers the machine. Fuels cells only emit water vapor and can also produce heat that can be used for heating the cab.

In order for hydrogen to be “green” – and it must be green, or there’s no point – the electrolyzer used to make the hydrogen must be powered by wind or solar, not by fossil fuels. (Learn more about hydrogen production here.)

Volvo explains:

In principle, a fuel cell works much like a battery except that it generates its own electricity from the hydrogen onboard as needed rather than being charged from an external source. Vehicles with fuel cell electric powertrains have an uptime, range, and fueling time similar to that of combustion engine powered vehicles.

Hydrogen does not make sense for cars, due to the size of batteries that are needed, but it can make sense for large equipment.