EUROPE REPORT
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has started testing its prototype “HX04” Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Articulated truck. Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE expects that this prototype will “give valuable insights into the opportunities of hydrogen in the energy transformation alongside battery-electric solutions.”
The on-going development of the hauler began in 2018 and experienced partnerships with different Swedish institutions and companies. Fun fact: The machine is nicknamed “Electric Charlie,” a homage to “Gravel Charlie,” the world’s first Articulated hauler produced by Volvo in 1966.
Shell has been involved in the project, supplying the Hydrogen refuelling station for Volvo’s test track. The Volvo HX04 is charged with 12 kg hydrogen in about 7.5 minutes, enabling it to operate for approximately four hours. Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen and the resulting chemical reaction produces electricity which powers the machine.
In the process, fuel cells also produce heat that can be used for heating the cab. Fuel cells only emit one thing – water vapor. Vehicles with fuel cell electric powertrains have an uptime, range, and fueling time similar to that of combustion engine powered vehicles.
Source: Volvo Read The Article
PSR Analysis: Volvo CE development of the HX04 has particular value. So far, most of the alternative drive construction machines have been small products, mainly battery powered. Mixers, Tampers, Rammers and Concrete Finishers were the most popular electric products in 2021, with Wheel Loaders, the first large machine type, representing 8% of the total electric products, according to the Power Systems Research proprietary database OE Link™.
Source: Power Systems Research OE Link™
This development is especially important, considering that fuel cell machines are even rarer, with just another prototype from JCB. This project will help define the future of the segment and drive its sustainability. However, we do not expect to see significant volumes, before at least 2030.
While products need to be refined and tested, the refuelling infrastructure will remain a critical limiting factor. Considering the current range of operations and refuelling, Fuel Cells would represent a solid and serious alternative to internal combustion engines. According to political agendas around the world, we will see different development and adoptions of these machines, but it is not surprising that Volvo is at the forefront of this transition, a revolution that could change completely the Construction machinery Industry. PSR
Emiliano Marzoli is Manager – European Operations for Power Systems Research
