Volvo Defended Hydrogen Trucks Amid Competition
The manufacturer maintains hydrogen investment while electric truck rivals continue to gain global market ground.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Trucks
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Volvo Group has defended its ongoing investment in hydrogen-powered trucks as competition in the European heavy-duty market intensifies. The company continues to develop hydrogen fuel-cell technology for long-haul transport alongside electric and biofuel models.
Why it matters
Manufacturers face significant pressure to meet EU emission reduction targets by 2030, but many cite inadequate charging infrastructure and power grid limitations as hurdles. Failing to hit these environmental goals could result in heavy fines that threaten annual profitability.
Seven western manufacturers currently control 97 percent of the European heavy-duty truck market. Meanwhile, newer entrants like BYD have introduced heavy-duty models capable of charging from 20 percent to 80 percent in just 20 minutes.
The players
Volvo Group
A global leader in transport solutions that manufactures hydrogen, electric, and biofuel-powered trucks.
Tesla
An American manufacturer of electric vehicles that debuted its Semi truck at the 2026 IAA Transportation exhibition.
BYD
A Chinese manufacturing conglomerate that produces electric heavy-duty trucks capable of rapid charging.
Sany
A Chinese heavy equipment company planning to expand its electric truck offerings in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The details
European truckmakers are balancing internal combustion engine modifications for biofuels with hydrogen and electric propulsion systems to meet strict EU mandates. Meanwhile, international competitors such as Tesla and Sany are aggressively positioning their own electric heavy-duty vehicles to capture market share.
Timeline
In the first half of 2026, electric trucks held a 4.8 percent share of total EU registrations.
The IAA Transportation exhibition was held in Hanover in September 2026.
Sany intends to launch two new electric truck models in select European markets by the end of 2027.
The European Union has set a 2030 deadline for a 45 percent reduction in heavy-duty vehicle emissions.
Roadmap
The global trucking industry is currently navigating a pivotal transition as manufacturers move away from diesel toward a mix of hydrogen and electric power. This development follows a pattern set by the EU 2030 heavy-duty emission reduction mandate, which forces companies to innovate rapidly to avoid steep financial penalties.
Fleet operators and logistics companies may soon see a wider variety of powertrain options as manufacturers accelerate their development timelines to meet regional mandates. These shifts will likely influence future procurement costs and the operational maintenance requirements for heavy-duty fleets.
The takeaway
The race to decarbonize heavy-duty transport is creating a split strategy between hydrogen and battery-electric technologies. Carriers should monitor these competing standards closely to ensure their future investments align with emerging infrastructure and regulatory requirements.
Further reading
Explore deeper insights into the changing landscape of heavy-duty vehicles in our Trucks section.
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Should vehicle manufacturers focus only on electric power or pursue multiple technologies like hydrogen?
