Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has joined forces with the Dutch VDL Groep to develop Toyota fuel cell trucks. The Dutch company, known to the general public for its buses, is also a major industrial partner for the industry. In particular, the automotive industry, because The Mini Countryman and the BMW X1 are currently being assembled at the VDL Nedcar plant. The cooperation with Toyota is aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of the road logistics sector, which is a key factor in achieving Toyota Motor Europe’s goals of total carbon neutrality by 2040.

Hydrogen, the best solution for heavy trucks?

we know that Toyota is not a fan of all-electricd. The company prefers to study several technologies in order to choose the one that will best suit the intended use. So, the manufacturer continues to develop its self-charging and battery hybrids, like a new Prius. It also recently launched its first all-electric model, the BZ4X. In parallel, the Japanese giant continues to believe in hydrogenwhether used through a fuel cell or directly as a fuel.

For the company, the use of hydrogen heavy-duty vehicles is a key factor in the decarbonization of the transport sector. The smaller mass of hydrogen systems allows to increase the payload. In addition, the speed of filling with hydrogen is important for intensive transport. Refuel a truck with hydrogen as fast as diesel, and because of the way they use and require large amounts of hydrogen, heavy-duty vehicles make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable infrastructure on major roads.

On the way this fall

Therefore, by the summer of 2023, VDL Groep will build Toyota’s first fuel cell truck. Other vehicles will be built and evaluated on TME logistics routes in autumn 2023. In addition to consolidating the experience of implementing fuel cell trucks, this project will strengthen the company’s long-term vision of decarbonizing logistics and reducing Toyota’s carbon footprint, in addition to the electrification of passenger vehicles.

“Fuel cell trucks also contribute to the development of the hydrogen ecosystem in Europe, as they contribute to the decarbonization of transport and the energy transition. It is important to get a heavy weight healthy dynamics of supply and demand for hydrogen. The infrastructure of hydrogen trucks can be easily transferred to other vehicles, which can use the same gas stations. This new heavy-duty project is one of many initiatives Toyota has recently implemented with various partners, including light commercial vehicles, boats, trains and buses, to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy. further clarifies the press release.