The development of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) has become a key topic in the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions in the transportation sector. This paper provides an overview of the progress in H2-ICE technology, its potential advantages over conventional internal combustion engines (ICE), and the challenges associated with its application in commercial vehicles.The combustion of hydrogen (H2) in ICEs offers significant benefits in terms of substantially lower exhaust gas emissions (CO, CO2, and NOx) but it also presents practical challenges in engine design (pre-ignition of the fuel mixture, knocking, and backfiring), as well as in the storage and transportation of H2 as fuel. Compared to gasoline engines, H2-ICEs can operate at higher compression ratios, which improves thermal efficiency, provided that the minimum ignition temperature requirements of the mixture are met. H2 has specific combustion characteristics that require specialized fuel supply and mixing systems, unique compression ratios, and tailored combustion phases to achieve optimal engine characteristics. The paper also examines advancements in dual-fuel system technologies, where H2 is combined with diesel fuel to facilitate ignition, and explores the concepts of direct H2 injection technology. While the use of H2 in fuel cell vehicles is currently more prevalent in the automotive industry due to the minimal emission of pollutants, H2-ICEs offer certain advantages in terms of efficiency, technological readiness, and lower production costs, which is particularly important for heavy-duty vehicles and industrial machinery.