Make Way For The Future: Toyota To Manufacture Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Trucks

Toyota announced a dedicated line at its Kentucky plant, which will begin assembling integrated dual fuel cell (FC) modules for hydrogen-powered commercial trucks starting 2023. 

After numerous years of real-world testing in the commercial trucking industry, these modules will allow manufacturers to integrate emissions-free technology into existing platforms with the help of Toyota’s technical support under the hood. 

The company has stated that the dual-fuel cell modules weigh approximately 635 kilograms and can generate up to 160 kW of continuous power. The dual FC is a significant component of the kit, including high voltage battery, electric motors, transmission and hydrogen storage. 

Sharing their expertise in powertrain integration, Toyota aims to aid manufacturers in adapting these new drivetrain systems to heavy-duty transportations. This second-gen FC system is reported to have 485 kilometres of range at a full load weight of 36,287 kilograms. It will be available at the 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in California. Alongside the new tech would also be a prototype truck powered by the FC kit. 

Toyota believes that the technology is more suitable for heavy-duty vehicles which travel long distances per day, although some may be sceptical of the new alternative. The brand is not alone as it seems that household names such as Volvo, Daimler and Hyundai are also looking into launching hydrogen-powered trucks.