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Toyota tests fuel cell truck in the U.S.

Apr 25, 2017 Toyota, FuelCell, Environment, Trucks, Trucking,


Toyota says it has supersized its commitment to zero exhaust emissions by adapting its advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology for use in heavy-duty trucks. The company has incorporated its proprietary fuel-cell technology from the ground-breaking Mirai passenger car into a strong yet silent power source for a 36-tonne semi-trailer.

The Project Portal will see the automaker use the concept truck to conduct a feasibility study into the potential of fuel-cell technology in heavy-duty applications. The hydrogen-fuelled truck will haul cargo between the bustling ports of Los Angeles in the United States and nearby Long Beach - quietly, quickly and without producing any tailpipe emissions.

The fully functioning heavy-duty truck boasts the power and torque capacity to transport cargo between the two ports, while emitting nothing but water vapour. The truck generates more than 500kW of power and almost 1800Nm of torque from two Mirai fuel-cell stacks and a 12kWh battery.

The concept's gross combined weight capacity is more than 36.2 tonnes and its estimated driving range is 320km per fill, under normal drayage operation.

Late in 2016 Toyota Australia unveiled a mobile hydrogen refueller that enabled three demonstration Mirai fuel-cell sedans to go anywhere in Australia that a conventional car can be driven. The local company continues to work with governments, industry and other key stakeholders in Australia to fast-track the development of the refuelling infrastructure required to support the widespread sale of fuel-cell vehicles.

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