Automotive industry advances hydrogen and plug-in hybrid technologies

Major automotive players are advancing hydrogen and plug-in hybrid technologies. An alliance including Volvo Group, Daimler Truck, Toyota, Bosch, Air Liquide, TotalEnergies, TEAL Mobility, and MB Energy has formed to develop a complete hydrogen supply chain, aiming to expand across Europe by 2030. Daimler Truck plans a small series of 100 next-generation vehicles by late 2026, while Volvo Group is pursuing both fuel cell technology and hydrogen combustion engines with a target launch by 2030.

In parallel, BMW is developing the iX5 Hydrogen with a goal for mass production by 2028. The project focuses on integrating fuel cells, electric motors, and high-voltage batteries to achieve performance comparable to battery-electric models.

Volvo is also updating its plug-in hybrid SUV lineup. The refreshed XC60 and XC90 models feature a battery integrated into the floor, increasing capacity to 41.2 kWh. This upgrade significantly extends electric-only range, with estimates reaching approximately 125 km for the XC60 and 117 km for the XC90, potentially making them leaders in the American plug-in hybrid market.