Toyota Moves Closer to Production with Next Generation Fuel Cell Electric Technology For Trucks

Toyota's next generation fuel cell electric technology is now powering a new set of heavy-duty trucks. Using the same fuel cell system as the all-new 2021 Mirai sedan, the engineers at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development have developed a set of production-intent prototype trucks that are being prepared to run routes at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach to validate their performance, efficiency and drivability.

Also Read: Toyota Launches New Mirai Fuel Cell Car In Fresh Push On Hydrogen Technology In Japan​

Toyota Next Generation Fuel Cell Electric Technology For Trucks

Designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of a wide variety of OEM truck makers, the new fuel cell electric system in the latest prototypes has been adapted to a Kenworth T680 chassis. A more compact hydrogen storage cabinet behind the cab houses six hydrogen tanks with the same capacity as previous prototypes while a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery helps smooth out the power flow to the electric motors. In this configuration, the second generation fuel cell system delivers over 483 km of range at a full load weight of more than 36,000 kilos, all while demonstrating exceptional drivability, quiet operation, and zero harmful emissions.

Also Read: Toyota Working On New Electric SUV; Global Debut In 2021​

Toyota Next Generation Fuel Cell Electric Technology For Trucks

Andrew Lund, Chief Engineer, Toyota Motor North America Research and Development said, "Our first prototype trucks proved that a fuel cell electric powertrain was capable of hauling heavy cargo on a daily basis. These new prototypes not only use production-intent hardware, they will also allow us to start looking beyond drayage into broader applications of this proven technology."