Volvo turns to fuel cells

Sweden-based AB Volvo has completed a joint venture company between Volvo Technology (VTEC) and Statoil to form Powercell, which will develop power units based on fuel-cell technology.

According to AB Volvo, Powercell holds a patent on technology that could produce power units small enough to be installed in “standard trucks”. The OEM noted a significant market for the product to eliminate engine idling.

“Through the use of fuel cell technology in the power unit, you can reduce emissions sharply, while at the same time the unit can be made substantially smaller,” said Göran Wirmark, manager of VTEC Energy Conversion & Physics.