Toyota sends fuel cell trucks into practical test
About 70 % of the CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles in Japan are accounted for by trucks and buses with a total weight of over 3.5 tonnes. Along with its commercial vehicle subsidiary Hino, Toyota is developing electrified solutions to reduce these emissions significantly. The first fuel cell trucks with a total weight of 25 tonnes are scheduled to start practical tests in spring 2022.
Together with partner companies from the logistics and beverage industry, the trucks will complete various routes through Japan based on the Hino Profia, emitting only water vapour. With a total range of around 600 kilometres, the fuel cell trucks can cover all routes without stopping for refuelling.
Compared to conventional diesel trucks, it is expected that the use of the hydrogen-powered vehicles will save about 82 tonnes of CO2 per year for a daily route of 500 kilometres. In addition, the fuel cell drive is quieter and generates less noise and vibration than diesel engines, which reduces noise pollution and increases driving comfort.
The powertrain consists of a Toyota FC stack with polymer electrolyte fuel cells, buffered by a lithium-ion battery, and an AC synchronous motor. For the vehicles, Toyota has developed a special hydrogen tank with a large capacity and high pressure of 70 MPa.
More information: https://www.toyota-europe.com/tme#/my-toyota/
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