Toyota has started testing a new hydrogen-powered truck

In collaboration with Coca-Cola and Air Liquide, Toyota is undertaking a pilot programme for a new hydrogen fuel cell, zero tailpipe emission long-haul truck.

Toyota has provided a proof-of-concept hydrogen truck to demonstrate fuel cell technology’s efficiency and viability for heavy duty transportation

 
Heavy duty trucks equipped with hydrogen fuel cell technology have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of long-haul logistics operations and stimulate the development of a sustainable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure

( 2024-July )

The hydrogen-powered truck utilises Toyota fuel cell modules which combine hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules into water while simultaneously generating electricity. As a result, the only tailpipe emission is water. Moreover, fast refuelling ensures high utilisation rates.

Air Liquide, a leader in the production and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, supplies hydrogen from renewable origin for this project. This collaboration highlights the significance of concurrent development of both vehicles and infrastructure to foster a more sustainable society.

Through these hydrogen truck projects, Toyota intends to support the decarbonisation of heavy duty road transport, which accounts for a quarter of European freight transport based on tonne-kilometres performed. Commercial trucks’ usage patterns and their demand for large volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in developing sustainable hydrogen infrastructures.

Hyliko is a French start-up with the mission to deploy Europe’s most efficient, decarbonised freight transport fleet. The company is convinced that the most suitable solution for decarbonising heavy mobility is the rapid and easily accessible deployment of green hydrogen. Hyliko has therefore set-up Europe’s first carbon-negative decarbonisation solution for the logistics and road transport sectors. It consists of four key elements. Hydrogen trucks. A system to lease and maintain these trucks. A network of super-green hydrogen stations. And the management of carbon credits.

( 2023-february )

The most critical component of a hydrogen truck is the hydrogen fuel cell module. It had to be well-proven on the road, totally reliable, high performance … all of which pointed Hyliko in only one direction. “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Toyota,” said Ovarith Troeung, CEO of Hyliko. “Renowned for their reliability and performance levels, Toyota fuel cell modules are key components in the design and construction of our new hydrogen trucks.” Hyliko’s 44-tonne tractor and 26-tonne straight truck will each be equipped with two Toyota fuel cell modules.