The Swedish concern Volvo began testing a hydrogen-powered tractor with a range of 1 kilometers

Representatives of the Scandinavian manufacturer of trucks announced the start of testing a model with the longest range in its segment. They explained that the development team had been creating an alternative to electric transport for several years. This option is in no way inferior to models with batteries, and surpasses it in a number of parameters.

What is known

Since yesterday, the first instance of a hydrogen car has been tested in real conditions near one of the factories located in Sweden. Today it is difficult to predict the timing of tests, since it is not known how the equipment will behave in everyday use.


According to the plan, cargo transportation in a test mode will begin in 2023, and commercial operation of trucks will start in 2025-2026. Volvo is confident that this option will successfully compete with electric vehicles, as it has its own advantages. This is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport today, in the manufacture of hydrogen fuel, the level of emissions is much lower than in the generation of electricity.


An important advantage of the novelty is quiet operation and the absence of exhaust gases. The fuel is converted into water vapor, which does not harm the environment.

Advantages

According to Swedish engineers, hydrogen transport is much better adapted to ultra-long trips than electric. Several fuel cells installed behind the cabin will give a cruising range of at least 1 kilometers. Moreover, it almost does not change with temperature changes, which allows the equipment to be operated in harsh Scandinavian conditions.


Electric vehicle builders are already struggling to develop long-range trucks. This requires high-capacity batteries, which are much more expensive than standard ones, and the installation of high-speed charging stations along all routes.

In addition, even the most advanced equipment cannot provide energy replenishment in the battery in less than an hour. And hydrogen tanks fill up in 15 minutes, after which the car can travel another 1 kilometers.


Hydrogen fuel cells are used as a power source for an electric motor. In fact, this is a hybrid option that compensates for the shortcomings of conventional models with batteries.

The creators promised to share news about the tests towards the end of the year. In the meantime, they will check all systems to detect any deviations and increase the level of security to the maximum.