Volvo Trucks says it has successfully conducted test drives of its hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles on public roads, and the first tests to take place were conducted in the frigid temperatures of northern Sweden, above the Arctic Circle.

Fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen will be especially suitable for longer distances and when using only batteries isn’t an option: for example, in rural areas with no charging infrastructure, the company says.

Volvo currently offers a product lineup of battery electric trucks, with six models in series production, catering to a variety of transports in and between cities. 

According to Volvo Trucks, the fuel cell electric trucks will be available in the second half of this decade. Tests with haulers are planned to start a few years before the commercial launch. In order to speed up the development, the company says Volvo Group has joined forces with Daimler to develop and produce fuel cell systems that are tailored to heavy-duty vehicles.