Toyota Develops New Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
System Designed Particularly For Commercial Vehicles, With Same Durability As Conventional Diesel-Powered Engines
Toyota Motor Corp. (Toyota) has developed a new fuel cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System). Toyota said the system is part of its continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.
The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest.
Toyota said that it views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries. Toyota has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of “Create, Transport, Store, and Use” hydrogen in relation to its research and development activities.
3rd Gen FC System Overview
In 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and has since sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories. Since 2019, Toyota began supplying FC systems for use in other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2700 units to more than 100 customers globally.
In Japan, Toyota works with many partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society. The new 3rd Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback and insights from proof-of-concepts and demonstration tests over the past several years.
The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System include an improvement in durability, with up to double that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design. The 3rd Gen FC System also features a 1.2x improvement in fuel efficiency, allowing for a 20% more cruising range. The system also features significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.
Expansion Of Line-Up
The 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Toyota said that the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.
Toyota said that it will continue efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society in collaboration with local governments and other companies, associations, and organizations.
