Toyota's Fuel Cell Trucks Prove Their Worth, Third-Gen Module Coming in 2026
Toyota is pushing ahead with its fuel cell truck project, aiming to launch the third generation of its fuel cell module in 2026. The new module promises improved performance and efficiency, along with lighter, more spacious cars. The company has been operating four fuel cell trucks since 2025, contributing to its goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.
The project began with a feasibility study in 2022 and officially started in 2023. Toyota is using DAF CF trucks with special frames from VDL Special Vehicles, equipped with seven 350-bar hydrogen tanks and two 80-kW fuel cell modules. The vehicles can travel around 100 km in electric mode, with an additional 300 km possible when the fuel cell is activated.
Real-world operation has provided valuable insights. The Toyota Parts Centre Europe in Diest, Belgium, has used these cars to handle over 500,000 parts daily and 120 million parts annually. They have covered over 80,000 km in four countries, saving over 80 tons of CO2 emissions. However, challenges remain, including limited refueling station coverage and volatile hydrogen prices across Europe.
Toyota is committed to reducing refueling times and is not currently considering liquid hydrogen for these cars. Despite challenges, the company's fuel cell trucks have proven their worth, demonstrating quiet operation, responsive acceleration, and stable driving. With the launch of the third-generation fuel cell module in 2026, Toyota is poised to further enhance its hydrogen-powered car offerings, contributing to its sustainability goals.
Read also:
- Aiming to simplify the move towards cleaner automobiles, the newly established ministry plans to take direct action with Pannier-Runacher, Létard, and Vautrin at the helm.
- "The imperfect yet essential documentary, "Planet of the Humans," raises challenging and uncomfortable inquiries"
- Exciting Escapades of Tintin
- More than half of British homes adhere to insulation standards established during the 1970s.
