Toyota expands hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty transport

• Toyota partners with Scania to supply its third generation fuel cell technology for use in 40 heavy-duty vehicles to be deployed in real-world operations 

• Toyota partners with IVECO, integrating its technology to new generation fuel cell trucks 

• Toyota commits to strengthening hydrogen ecosystems combining infrastructure development and technology 

• The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal shareholder 

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has presented the next stage of its hydrogen strategy at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, today, showcasing new advances in fuel cell technology and partnerships with industry leaders to accelerate deployment in heavy-duty transport. 

Hydrogen is a pillar of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. It has particular advantages where long range, high utilisation, fast refuelling, payload and operational flexibility are critical – especially in heavy-duty transport, where vehicles run demanding routes with limited downtime.  

Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system has been developed specifically for the demands of commercial applications. Compared with the previous generation system, it delivers twice the output, twice the durability, 20 per cent better fuel efficiency and significantly lower cost, bringing fuel cell trucks closer to the performance and operating expectations of diesel fleets while producing zero harmful tailpipe emissions. 

Forging partnerships with leading OEMS 

With Scania, Toyota will supply third-generation fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. Equipped with Toyota’s latest 300kW fuel cell system in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and other uses, the first trucks are expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2027, generating real-world insights into performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership for demanding long-distance and high-use transport. 

Toyota is also working with IVECO through EMPOWER, the EU-funded Horizon Europe project for zero-emission heavy-duty transport. Toyota will provide the fuel cell system for IVECO’s new generation fuel cell electric vehicles, while IVECO leads vehicle development, integration and validation. Powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300kW , the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell is designed for a driving range beyond 560 miles (900km) and durability of more than 25,000 operating hours. Validation will commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with on-road trials planned for the first half of 2027. 

Motor racing – the ultimate test 

Toyota continues to test hydrogen technologies in demanding environments. Since 2017, it has been using motorsport to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. Toyota will take its hydrogen innovation in motorsport a step further in 2027 when Toyota Gazoo Racing plans to enter a fuel cell Hilux in the Dakar Rally’s Future Mission 1000 category. In 2028, Toyota is also set to launch the Hilux Fuel Cell, targeting a driving range of more than 248 miles (400km) and a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. 

Commitment to developing infrastructure 

Toyota recognises that vehicles alone will not be enough to scale hydrogen mobility. Infrastructure, hydrogen supply, customer demand and policy frameworks must develop together, creating local hydrogen ecosystems that can gradually connect into broader networks. In Europe, initiatives in Germany and the Netherlands show how vehicle deployment and refuelling infrastructure can progress together, supported by frameworks such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. 

Shinichi Yasui, Executive Vice President, R&D, Toyota Motor Europe, said: “Hydrogen can play an important role in sustainable mobility where energy resilience and demanding operational needs are critical. Toyota is not only developing fuel cell technology and vehicles, we are also committed to supporting the infrastructure needed to fuel them. By advancing our fuel cell technology and working with partners across the value chain, Toyota aims to help build the ecosystems needed to bring hydrogen mobility closer to wider deployment.” 

Toyota’s announcements at IAA follow earlier news in July this year that The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal partner and shareholder in the venture.  Through the collaboration, the parties intend to strengthen cellcentric’s position as a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval. 

ENDS