Toyota Experiments with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks

Toyota is testing a new type of hydrogen fuel cell truck as part of Coca-Cola’s long-distance delivery operations.

The Japanese manufacturer has teamed up with Coca-Cola and Air Liquideto try two hydrogen trucks on long-distance supply operations for the famous American group specializing in beverages.

Two fuel cell trucks tested on the road

The two VDL hydrogen trucks tested as part of this pilot program are equipped with Toyota fuel cell moduleswhich combine hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) molecules to transform them into electricity and water. The only discharge when using these vehicles is water, and this technology allows a fast refuelingallowing high utilization rates.
“We are delighted to partner with Toyota and Air Liquide to test hydrogen solutions for our long-haul logistics operations. We look forward to learning from this experience as we continue our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.”declared on this occasion Éric Desbonnets, Vice President Operations Paris 2024 and Sustainable Development at Coca-Cola.
As part of this project, which aims to demonstrate the efficiency and viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport, Air Liquide is involved in providinghydrogen from renewable sources.

Toyota continues to invest in hydrogen

This collaboration allows the different partners to work on the simultaneous development of hydrogen vehicles and the corresponding infrastructure, with the aim of promoting the creation of a more sustainable society.
In fact, with its hydrogen truck projects, Toyota aims to decarbonizing heavy goods road transportwhich accounts for no less than a quarter of freight transport in Europe. The large volumes of hydrogen used by these heavy-duty vehicles are a crucial element for the development of sustainable hydrogen refuelling infrastructures.
Toyota wants to develop hydrogen technology with its various solutions: beyond private vehicles, the Japanese manufacturer is adapting its Toyota fuel cell module to trucks, buses, coaches, trains, boats, and even fixed generators. “The lessons learned from this proof of concept will be major milestones in achieving our goal of zero carbon emissions for our logistics operations by 2040.”says Thiebault Paquet, Vice President R&D at Toyota Motor Europe.

This new project is part of Toyota’s desire to contribute to the advent of a carbon-neutral society in Europe and around the world.