Johnson Matthey is launching a hydrogen engine test facility in Gothenburg to advance sustainable transport and support hydrogen mobility development.
Johnson Matthey (JM), a global frontrunner in sustainable technologies, is further strengthening its capabilities in heavy-duty vehicle testing by introducing its first hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2ICE) testing facility in Gothenburg, Sweden. This strategic move reflects the company’s response to evolving market demands and regulatory requirements, as well as its ongoing commitment to cleaner and more efficient mobility solutions.
The new testing facility will be established at JM’s existing Gothenburg location, where the company already operates diesel engine test cells for both heavy-duty and light-duty applications. With this expansion, Johnson Matthey is significantly enhancing its H2ICE testing capabilities. While the company has previously engaged in hydrogen combustion engine development, this will be the first time it is able to test full engines on-site. The facility is scheduled to become fully operational by autumn 2025.
One of the core functions of the new site will be to assess the performance of catalysts in integrated engine aftertreatment and control systems. These assessments will offer critical insights to advance the development of hydrogen-powered mobility technologies. This latest investment also builds upon Johnson Matthey’s successful collaboration with Cummins and technology partners PHINIA and Zircotec under Project Brunel, which began in November 2021 and concluded in March 2025. The project provided valuable data on improving the performance and durability of hydrogen combustion engines.
The upcoming facility will feature advanced testing infrastructure, including:
• A dedicated hydrogen supply and storage area capable of handling hydrogen at pressures up to 500 bar, with its own compressor and intermediate storage tank.
• A sophisticated control and safety system designed for the hydrogen compressor and storage system.
• A hydrogen flow meter and gas analyser for precise measurement and monitoring.
• An upgraded test cell to accommodate hydrogen internal combustion engines of up to 600 kW (approximately 800 horsepower).
• Enhanced safety mechanisms, including multiple gas sensors and upgraded fire detection systems.
• Adaptations to existing exhaust measurement instruments to align with hydrogen combustion testing needs.
Tauseef Salma, Chief Technology Officer of Johnson Matthey Clean Air, emphasized the importance of the upgrade: “Johnson Matthey has a proud legacy in air pollution control and is now reinforcing its leadership in sustainable transport by investing in state-of-the-art hydrogen engine testing. Our expansion in Gothenburg is a clear endorsement of the H2ICE technology, which we believe holds immense promise for decarbonising heavy-duty transportation.”
She further added that battery electric vehicles alone cannot address all transportation-related climate goals. Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines offer a reliable, immediately deployable alternative to reduce emissions in hard-to-electrify segments.
In line with its broader commitment to hydrogen mobility, Johnson Matthey has also become a founding member of the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance. This coalition, comprising over 30 influential companies including BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, Air Liquide, and Linde, advocates for stronger EU policies to support the rollout of hydrogen-based transport solutions across Europe.
