Southwest Research Institute engineers test hydrogen combustion engines in diesel trucks [Video]

SAN ANTONIO – While electric big rigs are often touted as the future of cleaner trucking, San Antonio researchers are pioneering hydrogen combustion engines they believe could steer the 18-wheeler segment in a greener direction.

Engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have retrofitted a traditional diesel truck engine to run on hydrogen combustion instead.

“When this vehicle’s on the road, it’s going to produce very, very little emissions and almost no nitrous oxide,” Graham Conway, SwRI’s manager of low-carbon technologies said. “It’s going to meet all of today’s current regulations.”

Conway said hydrogen combustion engines marry the efficiency of diesel motors with the spark ignition of gasoline counterparts while eliminating pollutants. And since they don’t need bulky batteries, the trucks could haul heavier loads longer distances.

The researchers believe hydrogen combustion in 18-wheelers could sidestep struggles facing electric models when it comes to crossing state lines.

“if you’re not carrying as much …