Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
MIT startup develops system to convert diesel trucks to hydrogen
MIT startup LNK Energies is developing a system to convert heavy-duty diesel trucks to hydrogen using liquid compounds that carry hydrogen.
The system releases hydrogen onboard, which can then power a modified combustion engine or fuel cells that generate electricity for motors.
Hydrogen trucks can refuel faster than battery-powered trucks, but storing and transporting hydrogen has been difficult and costly.
LNK says its mini-fridge-sized reactor can release hydrogen from the liquid carrier on the truck, avoiding the need to compress hydrogen to very high pressure.
The liquid can be stored and pumped like diesel, so existing diesel stations could supply the fuel without a new hydrogen-refuelling network.
LNK estimates its trucks could cost 13% less to own than diesel trucks, though they would cost more upfront.
The company says it could undercut diesel at $6.50 per gallon after producing 50 to 100 trucks, without government subsidies.
Its current demonstration powers a lawnmower engine, and LNK plans a commercial-truck test within 18 months.
MIT startup LNK Energies says it has developed a system to convert heavy-duty diesel trucks to hydrogen.
The system carries hydrogen in a liquid organic hydrogen carrier and releases it on the truck using a compact reactor.
LNK says the hydrogen can power a modified internal combustion engine or fuel cells, and the carrier can be refilled at standard diesel stations.
The company says a hydrogen-powered Class 8 truck could have a total cost of ownership 13% lower than a diesel truck.
LNK plans to install a larger reactor in a commercial truck within 18 months.
- Who
- LNK Energies, an MIT startup co-founded by CEO Sayandeep Biswas and CTO Alexis Huynh.
- What
- The company says it has developed a system to convert existing heavy-duty diesel trucks to hydrogen power.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026. LNK plans to install a larger reactor in a commercial truck within 18 months.
- Where
- LNK will present the system at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco.
- Why
- The company says its system could lower operating costs and pollution while avoiding the need for a new hydrogen refuelling network.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
TechCrunch published its article about LNK Energies’ truck conversion system.
LNK Energies is scheduled to present at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco.
LNK plans to install a larger version of its reactor in a commercial truck.
- Company
- LNK Energies
- Class 8 truck cost claim
- 13% cheaper than diesel in total cost of ownership
- On-board reactor
- About the size of a mini fridge
- Target diesel price
- $6.50 per gallon
- Production volume for target price
- 50 to 100 trucks
- Commercial truck installation plan
- Within 18 months
What people are saying
If you look at total cost of ownership of a Class 8 truck, it’s 13% cheaper than diesel
We’re eliminating the expensive compression step
The entire hydrogen infrastructure doesn’t need to exist
The idea isn’t to have a technology that is cheaper at scale, but one that is cheaper even during that adoption period
Sources
Related news
Honey bee stingers use two pistons to pump venom continuously
China’s CXMT plans next-generation server memory, raising competition concerns
Red dwarf slowly draws matter from a brown dwarf
A 1960 population model set a ‘doomsday’ date that later growth disproved
Pacific buoy recorded a 17.6-metre rogue wave nearly three times its neighbours
New Zealand develops tools to remove invasive caulerpa seaweed
New tool maps geological and climate risks beneath cities
NHAI begins tree planting along ECR widening project
Andhra Pradesh researchers named to Stanford-linked top scientists list
Jonathan the tortoise’s gene switches may offer clues to long life
Two powerful earthquakes strike the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
