New Third-Gen Toyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tech Promises 20% More Range

Toyota has developed its hydrogen fuel cell (FC) tech, and is set to showcase the third-gen iteration of the tech this week.

Regular readers should be acquainted with Toyota and its 'Beyond Zero' multi-pathway philosophy towards decarbonised mobility. In turn, this ought to explain the automaker’s continued faith in its hydrogen fuel cell – also known as hydrogen FCEV - propulsion tech too.

In fact, despite slowed adoption and sales, Toyota hasn’t stopped developing the tech, bringing forth the latest third generation iteration of which recently. From the initial details the released, Toyota promises even more range plus lowered costs too from the tech too.

According to Toyota, its third-gen FC System is smaller, lighter, more dependable, and more efficient than its predecessor. It is also up to two times more durable than before with comparable dependability to diesel engines, albeit with the added perk of a maintenance-free designs.

Initial details revealed by Toyota sees its third-gen FC system technology promising even greater range plus enhanced durability and reduced costs.

Promising to be a major step forward, Toyota is also promising “significant cost reductions" thanks to “innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.” Engineers also focused on improving fuel efficiency and this results in a 20% increase in “cruising range.”

As a reference for the latter, the current Toyota Mirai hydrogen FCEV saloon boasts a claimed maximum travel range of 647 KM with each full fill-up of its hydrogen tank. The claimed rate of improvement should see this figure theoretically improve up to 776 KM.

Current version of Toyota's FC system as seen in the Toyota Mirai saloon that's being trialled locally.

Little else was revealed, but Toyota promises to release more details surrounding its latest third-gen FC system later this week during the International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo that takes place in Tokyo, Japan.

Following which, the firm is poised to see the first commercial applications of the tech across Japan, Europe, North America and China after 2026 at the earliest. Toyota adds that its new third-gen FC system can be easily primed across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, ships, trains, and stationary generators.