Toyota has made a hydrogen-powered future more promising with the launch of its third-generation fuel cell (FC) system. Designed specifically for commercial applications, the new system is said to offer the same durability as diesel engines while improving fuel efficiency and reducing production costs.
Revealed at the H2 and FC EXPO in Tokyo, this new FC system expands Toyota’s hydrogen technology beyond passenger vehicles to include heavy-duty trucks, trains, and stationary power generators. Market introduction is set for sometime after 2026, with key regions including Japan, Europe, North America, and China.
Advancing Hydrogen Technology
Since introducing the Mirai – its first fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) – in 2014, Toyota has become an industry leader in hydrogen technology. Over the years, it has supplied over 2,700 FC systems to various industries worldwide and the third-generation FC system builds on this experience, using real-world feedback from commercial users.
Toyota sees hydrogen as an important part of achieving carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating across industries to develop solutions for creating, transporting, storing, and using hydrogen.
Key Benefits of Toyota’s Third-Generation FC System
- Double the durability of the previous system, now matching diesel engines
- Maintenance-free design for lower operational costs
- 20% increase in cruising range thanks to 1.2x better fuel efficiency
- Lower production costs due to innovative design and manufacturing improvements
Versatile and Scalable
The new FC system is designed for flexibility, making it suitable for passenger cars, trucks, trains, ships, and stationary generators. For commercial vehicles, it offers diesel-level durability and high power output, while passenger cars benefit from an extended driving range. Its compact design allows for easier integration across different vehicle types too.
Hydrogen is becoming more and more viable as a solution for a sustainable automotive industry.
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