Toyotaâs New-Gen Hydrogen Cell for Heavy-Duty Power
Toyota has been exploring hydrogen fuel for more than three decades, and it looks like it wonât be slowing down.
The automotive giant has announced its development of a third generation fuel cell system for commercial hydrogen vehicles.
It is designed to offer the same durability as diesel powered engines but without the emissions associated with fossil fuel use.
This third generation system improves fuel efficiency 1.2 times and has a maintenance-free design.
It was unveiled at the H2 and FC EXPO in Tokyo, Japan.
What is Toyotaâs new hydrogen fuel cell system?
The durability of this new fuel cell system, Toyota says, has been improved by up to two times compared to the previous generation and is now comparable to that of diesel engines.
It is designed to be maintenance-free and has a 1.2x increase in fuel efficiency.
This increases its cruising range by 20%.
Toyota says there is a significant production cost reduction through innovations in the fuel cell design and manufacturing process.
This new fuel cell system is suitable for a variety of products including heavy duty commercial vehicles, passenger cars, stationary generators, trains and ships.
It has a more compact design than previous systems, allowing it to work with different commercial vehicles.
A history of hydrogen innovation
Toyota began developing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in 1992 and its EVS13, an FCV with a metal hydride hydrogen tank, took part in a parade in 1996.
Its 2001 FCHV-4 was the first Toyota fuel cell hybrid vehicle to be licensed for testing on Japanâs public roads.
In 2014, Toyota introduced the Mirai sedan to world markets.
The 2024 Mirai contains a host of new technologies including new safety, driving assistance, multimedia and convenience features.
How Toyota’s hydrogen business works
In July 2023, Toyota established its Hydrogen Factory as a dedicated organisation to accelerate customer-oriented product development and production.
Its Hydrogen Factory President is Mitsumasa Yamagata who was previously President of Toyota’s Powertrain Company.
Toyota Motor Europe followed and established the Hydrogen Factory Europe in December 2023.
“Europe is showing long-term confidence in hydrogen and so do we,” said Thiebault Paquet, Vice President and Head of Fuel Cell Business at Toyota Motor Europe.
“We will continue to develop fuel cell passenger cars and other light duty vehicles while we have broadened our focus towards heavy-duty transport to support the expansion of viable hydrogen infrastructure.
“We aim to further develop and learn through testing in our own network and with partners who share our approach.”
In May 2024, Toyota announced a renaming of its California R&D office as its new North American Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ).
“Toyota has developed hydrogen fuel cell electric solutions for more than three decades, and we will continue to advance this scalable, zero-emission technology as part of our electrified portfolio,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO at Toyota Motor North America.
“Renaming this facility as North American Hydrogen Headquarters represents our leadership in fuel cell development creating real-world products to help reduce carbon emissions.”
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