Volvo world first hydrogen-powered articulated truck

When the practitioners of construction machinery are still discussing the anxiety about the battery life of electric equipment, or are immersed in the infinite reverie of "the oil price has broken nine, electric equipment is a small expert to save money", some industry pioneers have already set their sights on more new energy in the future device application scenarios. For example, Volvo Construction Equipment has begun testing the world's first prototype fuel cell articulated truck, the Volvo HX04. Continuing its commitment to "drive the industry towards a net-zero future", Volvo said the results of the "Volvo HX04" project will play an important role in the future research and development of hydrogen and fuel cells.

Although Volvo is one of the top companies in the industry with the ability to mass-produce electric construction machinery products, it has never given up its active exploration and use of other alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen.

 "Volvo HX04", the result of a research project carried out between 2018-2022. Partners in the project include Volvo Construction Equipment, the Swedish RISE Research Institute, which provides specialist solutions in drivetrain development and safety, and PowerCell Sweden, a developer of fuel cell-based hydrogen-electric solutions.

Volvo says the refueling process for hydrogen-fueled cars is very fast, with a Volvo HX04 filling up 12kg of hydrogen in about 7.5 minutes, allowing it to run for about four hours. Fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen in a chemical reaction to generate electricity that powers devices. During this process, the fuel cell releases only one substance, water (steam), while also generating thermal energy to heat the cab.