Rooted in the shared conviction that hydrogen is an important complement to battery-electric vehicles in achieving the EU’s decarbonization targets, industry leaders are joining forces to overcome historical bottlenecks, particularly for truck operations requiring long range, high payload capacity, rapid refueling and operational flexibility. At Daimler Truck, customers have driven almost 600,000 kilometers with fuel cell trucks. As the next step, the company plans to deploy a small series of 100 next-generation fuel cell trucks into customer operations from the end of 2026 onwards. In parallel, the first hydrogen combustion engine trucks are being prepared for market launch next year. Overall, the company invests a mid-three-digit million euro amount in hydrogen trucks by the end of the decade. Volvo Group is similarly advancing its hydrogen portfolio and investing significant amounts into hydrogen power solutions such as both fuel cell and hydrogen-combustion trucks for market rollout towards 2030. Toyota will participate as a technology partner supporting the expansion of hydrogen mobility, leveraging more than 30 years of expertise gained through the development and supply of fuel cell systems, while Bosch is supplying key vehicle components for gaseous hydrogen – with its fuel cell system proven over more than 30 million kilometers on the road – alongside break-through refueling technologies for both liquid and gaseous hydrogen.

On the energy and infrastructure side, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck are closely cooperating with energy companies and hydrogen suppliers like Air Liquide, TotalEnergies and MB Energy, and retail operators such as MB Energy and TEAL Mobility (a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and Air Liquide, operating under TotalEnergies brand). These players are mobilizing their respective capacities to scale both liquid and gaseous hydrogen supply chains. Through their infrastructure investments, they are advancing toward large capacity, high-throughput refueling stations, able to refuel up to 100 trucks per day. They are also leveraging synergies with the fast-growing industrial renewable hydrogen production, driven by the implementation of the European RED III directive. Reaching competitive cost with diesel is essential for fleet operators to adopt hydrogen. Crucially, combining German government policies with industrial collaboration makes this possible through three key levers:

1. Lowering truck cost through incentives and series production.

2. Reaching diesel competitive hydrogen pump price through a more competitive hydrogen supply chain and Greenhouse Gas quota mechanisms.

3. Offering operating incentives like zero emission toll exemptions for fleet operators.

Market is rising to meet these conditions. Recent applications under Germany's NOW funding program were oversubscribed, with over 70 high-capacity stations and 800 heavy-duty trucks applied for by industrial companies, confirming strong commercial pull from the logistics sector.

While Germany serves as the operational launchpad, demonstrating how industry action and targeted public support can accelerate market development, the industry leaders are calling for strategic measures – supported by national governments and the European Commission – to replicate this model at a continental scale.

These measures include scaling infrastructure through synchronized funding calls for refueling stations and vehicles to meet Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets; strengthening the commercial viability of hydrogen through pragmatic, harmonized renewable fuel credit mechanisms and toll incentives; and jointly de-risking the overall value chain, from production and liquefaction to final distribution and vehicle operation.

This combination of industrial execution and a strong policy framework provides the foundation needed to scale zero-emission freight while reinforcing Europe’s industrial competitiveness, energy resilience and employment, and reducing emissions from freight transport.

HANNOVER, Germany, 14 September 2026 - At IAA Transportation 2026, Toyota Motor Europe has presented the next stage of its hydrogen strategy, showcasing new advances in fuel cell technology and partnerships with industry leaders to accelerate deployment in heavy-duty transport.

Hydrogen is an important 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 specific demands of commercial applications. Compared with the previous generation, it delivers twice the output, twice the durability, 20% better fuel efficiency and significantly lower cost, bringing fuel cell trucks closer to the performance and operating expectations of diesel fleets while producing zero 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 300 kW fuel cell system in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and other use cases, 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-utilisation 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 300 kW , the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell is designed for a driving range beyond 900 km and durability of more than 25,000 operating hours. Validation starts in the fourth quarter of 2026, with on-road trials planned for the first half of 2027.

Motor racing – the ultimate test

In addition, Toyota continues to test hydrogen technologies in demanding environments. Since 2017, Toyota has been using motorsport to improve 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, the Hilux Fuel Cell, targeting a driving range of more than 400 kilometres and towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes, is set for launch.

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.

Toyota’s announcements at IAA follows earlier news in July this year that The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal partner and shareholder in cellcentric. 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 is still subject to regulatory approval.

BRUSSELS, Belgium / TURIN, Italy, 10 September 2026 – Toyota and IVECO announce a new collaboration under EMPOWER – the EU-funded Horizon Europe project dedicated to advancing zero-emission heavy-duty transport – marking a significant milestone in the development of next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for the heavy-duty transport sector.

Under the EMPOWER project, Toyota will provide the fuel cell system for IVECO's new-generation FCEVs. Leveraging the complementary strengths of the two companies, Toyota contributes its most advanced fuel cell technology, built on more than three decades of innovation, development and commercialization across mobility and industrial applications. IVECO leads the overall vehicle development, integration and validation activities, drawing on its pioneering role in sustainable transport and the experience gained through landmark hydrogen projects and real-world demonstrations.

The new FCEVs represent a major technological leap, delivering significant improvements across key performance indicators compared with IVECO's first-generation fuel cell trucks deployed as part of the H2Haul project. Building on the valuable operational insights gained through this programme, the new vehicle advances the maturity, efficiency and scalability of hydrogen-powered solutions.

Powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300 kW, the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell combines increased performance with improved efficiency, extending driving range beyond 900 km while significantly enhancing durability to more than 25,000 operating hours. In parallel, vehicle weight has been reduced, and the overall architecture has been simplified through a more efficient energy management strategy, requiring only half the battery capacity of the previous generation.

Together, these improvements bring fuel cell technology closer to the operational, economic and durability requirements of large-scale commercial transport. These advancements are aligned with the latest progress in Toyota fuel cell technology, which is increasingly focused on meeting the demanding requirements of commercial vehicle applications through higher reliability, improved efficiency and extended operational life.

Validation and testing activities are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The project aims to demonstrate the technology under demanding real-world operating conditions, with on-road trials planned to start in the first half of 2027. The insights gained from these activities will contribute to the development of commercially viable hydrogen-powered solutions for long-haul and heavy-duty transport applications, serving as a pilot platform for a future industrial scale-up.

About IVECO

IVECO is a brand of Iveco Group designing, manufacturing and marketing a full range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles for a wide variety of applications.

Guided by its “Spirito in Movimento”, IVECO is evolving from a vehicle manufacturer into a true mobility partner, placing quality, customer experience and a human-centric approach to innovation at the core of everything it does. This vision is brought to life through three pillars: Motion by Design, expressing engineering excellence and distinctive Italian design; Motion through Experience, enabling a seamless and connected ecosystem of vehicles and services; and Motion as Family, reflecting IVECO’s commitment to staying close to customers, drivers and partners throughout their journey.

With a global network of over 2,300 service points, IVECO ensures consistent support, high service quality and uptime wherever its vehicles operate, standing by its customers and drivers at every step of their journey.

Rooted in its Italian heritage, IVECO combines engineering excellence with design, performance and attention to detail, shaping mobility solutions that are efficient, distinctive and built around people.

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden / BRUSSELS, Belgium, 7 September 2026 - Toyota and Scania today announced a partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell solutions for heavy-duty mobility through real-world logistics operations.

In this collaboration, Toyota will supply fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles within Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. The programme brings Scania together with selected customers to evaluate a wide range of sustainable transport technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell system, under real operating conditions. As zero-emissions heavy-duty fuel cell applications continue to expand, this initiative is expected to deliver confirmation of technical performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership. By integrating Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology into this framework, the partnership will evaluate how fuel cell electric trucks can support demanding heavy-duty transport operations.

The vehicles will be equipped with Toyota’s latest third-generation fuel cell system, which delivers 300 kW of power in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and a wide range of other use cases.

The first Scania hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks will start operating during the first quarter of 2027.

Toyota will share more information at its IAA Transportation press conference on 14 September.

About Scania
Scania is a world-leading provider of premium transport solutions. Together with our partners and customers, we are driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. Founded in Sweden in 1891, Scania now operates in more than 100 countries and employs around 53,000 people.
Scania Pilot Partner is a close collaboration with customers to test and evaluate new sustainable transport solutions in real operating environments. Each pilot project provides valuable insights into how the technology performs in daily customer operations, including operational efficiency and total cost of ownership across applications from city distribution to long-haul transport.

TOYOTA RACING will conduct the first public demonstration drives of its liquid hydrogen-fuelled TR LH2 Racing Prototype next week at the Circuit de la Sarthe, venue for the 94th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The TR LH2 Racing Prototype is based on the same chassis as the TR010 HYBRID Hypercar which will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours on 13-14 June. It is intended to advance the development of hydrogen technology in motorsports.

On Thursday 11 June (12.50pm) and Saturday 13 June (12.45pm), the TR LH2 Racing Prototype will complete demonstration laps of the 13.626km Circuit de la Sarthe, bringing the sound and sensation of a hydrogen combustion engine to fans around the circuit. This activity supports Toyota’s continuous development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure, as well as helping build relationships to expand the possibilities of hydrogen through the challenge of motorsports.

Toyota has taken on the challenge of hydrogen engine development in motorsports, initially through Rookie Racing’s participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu series with the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept. This vehicle used gaseous hydrogen from 2021, before the introduction of a liquid hydrogen-powered car from 2023.

The potential of hydrogen engines in rallying was initially showcased in 2022 when the GR Yaris H2 completed demonstration runs on Ypres Rally, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Further development was highlighted when the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept conducted demonstrations at the 2025 Rally Finland and this year’s Rallye Monte-Carlo.

In 2023, the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 Concept completed a demonstration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, while a hydrogen engine concept car, the GR H2 Racing Concept, was presented to preview a potential future hydrogen category at Le Mans. Since then, development of the technology intensified, reaching a further milestone with the unveiling of the liquid hydrogen-powered GR LH2 Racing Concept last year at Le Mans. A year later, TOYOTA RACING takes the next step in that journey with the first public demonstration of the TR LH2 Racing Prototype.

Prior to its demonstration laps, the TR LH2 Racing Prototype will be displayed for fans in the Hydrogen Village, an exhibition of hydrogen technology which includes information and vehicles illustrating TOYOTA’s commitment to a carbon-neutral society. The Hydrogen Village is officially opened on Wednesday 10 June.

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TOYOTA RACING’s activities in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) are supported by the following partners: 

Read the full press release on global.toyota

Toyota has joined forces with its logistics providers - Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics - to introduce the zero tailpipe emission* heavy duty trucks to its logistics operations. Toyota, together with these logistics providers, will continuously evaluate the performance of the fuel cell trucks in the daily operations of Toyota Parts Centre Europe, which processes more than 500,000 parts and accessories every day.

The 40-tonne fuel cell truck delivers similar performance as a diesel truck, but with zero tailpipe emissions on similar routes, as its motor is powered by electricity generated from hydrogen combined with oxygen. With one single refuelling, the vehicle can travel up to 400 km under real-world driving conditions. Additionally, the vibration-free electric motor reduces disturbance to the community the truck passes through, while significantly improving driving comfort.

* ^{’Zero tailpipe emissions’ refers to the powertrain where no greenhouse gases or harmful particles are emitted by the tailpipe while driving. Only H₂O is emitted by the tailpipe. Emissions may still exist at other stages of the product lifecycle (extraction, manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, recycling/scrapping…) but also during use (tyres, brakes...) and the production of hydrogen, depending on its source.}

The nine-year journey, titled ‘In Search of Carbon Neutrality,’ will further explore and develop a range of technical solutions for sustainable and decarbonised marine transport.

From 2025 to 2026, the first Energy Observer laboratory vessel will continue its missions in Europe. The Toyota Fuel Cell System has been playing a key role in the vessel’s carbon-free energy chain, generating zero-emission* power onboard. This initiative demonstrates innovative approaches to decarbonising both marine propulsion and onboard energy systems.

In 2027, the Energy Observer 3, a new-generation expedition catamaran will take over, marking a new stage in the quest for a maritime energy transition. In preparation for this milestone, Energy Observer and Toyota are joining forces to study and explore the integration of the Toyota Fuel Cell System into the vessel’s innovative energy architecture, which combines multiple complementary renewable energy sources, including hydrogen.

Toyota believes that achieving carbon neutrality requires a multi-pathway approach - one that leverages diverse energy sources and complementary technologies.

During its first odyssey, the Energy Observer sailed over 68,000 nautical miles - more than three times around the globe, proving the viability of a renewable energy mix: hydrogen, solar and wind.

One of the challenges for expanding hydrogen supply infrastructure is the need for hydrogen dispensers that can refuel both light-duty and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles faster.

The new Twin Mid Flow Technology addresses this challenge by incorporating a higher-flow dual nozzle, allowing one hydrogen dispenser to refuel heavy-duty vehicles in less than 10 minutes and light-duty vehicles in less than 5 minutes. This innovation eliminates the need for two different types of dispensers at each refuelling station.

The practical benefit is that a 40-tonne truck will be able to refuel for a 600km range in just 8 minutes and for a 900km range in only 12 minutes.

The installation cost of such hydrogen refuelling stations will be significantly lower, which will help accelerate their deployment in line with the target set out by European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) to deploy publicly accessible hydrogen stations at every 200km along the TEN-T networks by 2030.

Through the newly signed agreement, Toyota will provide a test bench and a truck equipped with the Twin Mid Flow Technology.  Hydrogen Refueling Solutions and ENGIE will develop new-generation hydrogen refuelling stations compatible with this innovation, which will be tested in the RHeaDHy project as from the fourth quarter of 2025. 

NOTE: The hydrogen dispensers in the images are not representative of the actual one, which is yet to be developed by Hydrogen Refueling Solutions for the RHeaDHy project.

About Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions (HRS)

Hydrogen Refuelling Solutions is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-capacity hydrogen refuelling stations. HRS offers a complete and unique range of modular and scalable stations, manufactured on its industrial side in Grenoble, France. Its premises include a test area, the only one of its kind in Europe, to test and trial the range of stations and develop future products and solutions for the hydrogen mobility market.

Public relations contact : ACTUS finance & communication | Anne-Charlotte DUDICOURT | hrs-presse@actus.fr | Tel:+33  (0)1 53 67 36 32

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 97,000 employees, clients, partners and stakeholders, the Group strives every day to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose statement, ENGIE reconciles economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its clients.

Coordinator of RHeaDHy project, ENGIE Lab CRIGEN, its research and innovation center, explores advanced energy technologies in many fields, particularly in hydrogen. It contributes to the development of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution solutions to support the energy transition.

Public relations contact: ENGIE HQ Press contact: Tel. France : +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35 Email: engiepress@engie.com

About RHeaDHy

The EU-funded RHeaDHy project (Refuelling Heavy Duty with very High flow Hydrogen) aims to develop high-performance hydrogen refuelling stations for heavy-duty vehicles. The project focuses on creating and testing new protocols to refuel 700 bar hydrogen trucks with 100 kg of hydrogen within 10 minutes.

This project is part of the EU's efforts to decarbonize freight transport and support the hydrogen truck market by establishing a robust refuelling station network.

The RHeaDHy project received funding from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under grant agreement no. 101101443, with backing from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

Contact for RHeaDHy: Project coordinator | Reda BELLAHCENE | reda.bellahcene@engie.com | Tel:+33  (0)6 63 77 30 57

Public information on the Horizon Europe RHeaDHy project

Vice President Toyota Motor Europe, Sales & Value Chain, Toyota Sales & Marketing

Dear Ladies & Gentlemen,

Good morning and welcome to Toyota. My name is Tom Fux, and I am Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe for Sales, Marketing and Value Chain.

Today, we are thrilled to present our European Commercial Vehicle strategy and ambitions.

Our global company vision of providing mobility solutions for every customer and leaving no one behind also applies to our commercial vehicle range. Indeed, I am very pleased to announce that as from today, Toyota offers a full and electrified product range to meet every customer’s need.

First, let’s have a look at Toyota’s commercial vehicle business in Europe so far.

Our story dates back to the 60s, when we launched the legendary Hilux & Hiace in Europe. Since then, they gained a worldwide reputation for quality, durability & reliability.

Back in 2016, we entered into a strategic partnership with Stellantis for commercial vehicles, starting with the Toyota PROACE. Since then, we have enjoyed year-on-year growth in Europe - both in terms of sales and market share.

We strengthened our product line-up with the PROACE CITY at the end of 2019. And, in 2021, we introduced the PROACE and PROACE CITY Electric.

Last year we achieved record sales of 140,000 units representing a record market share of 5.7%.

So far, we were covering the pick-up, CDV and MDV segments, with the Hilux, PROACE CITY and PROACE, which represents 70% of the LCV market.

However, Toyota was still missing the offer in the heavy-duty segment. This segment accounts for around 30% of total LCV market. To answer the demand of our customers, we are now announcing a newcomer to our range.

A completely new model for Toyota .... the PROACE MAX.

PROACE MAX completes our commercial offer… and, with its wide range of body varieties, it provides many new business opportunities for us … and our customers. 

PROACE MAX has been shortlisted for the 2025 International Van of The Year.

So - how does this translate into our mid-term ambitions?

Well, we want Toyota Professional to become an even more credible LCV brand in Europe… and we are aiming for a top 6 position by further growing our market share to 7% and reaching an annual sales volume of 180,000 units.

To achieve these goals, we have developed Toyota LCV strategy based on 4 pillars:

We will offer a strong and competitive product range…

We will take care of our customers every step of the way…

We will provide market-leading commercial vehicle services and expertise.

And we will roll-out dedicated Toyota Professional Centres across Europe to provide the right customer journey. 

Thanks to the new PROACE MAX, our Toyota Professional line-up is now complete, allowing us to offer a full product range to our customers.

Toyota Professional is more than just vehicles.

Customers choosing Toyota Professional enjoy a wide range of products and services including:

Toyota Relax warranty service…whenever their vehicle is serviced at an authorized Toyota retailer, customers obtain a new warranty for 1 additional year, up to 10 years or 185,000 km. Here in Germany, we extended the warranty even up to 15 years.

We also plan to minimise vehicle downtime offering the Express Service, performing regular maintenance with two expert technicians.

And, of course, on top of these programmes, we are offering tailor-made financial services and products provided by KINTO, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Insurance Services, all represented here on this stand.

To secure the right and consistent expertise, we have developed pan-European trainings for our LCV sales and after sales experts.

With our complete line-up, we will also benefit from new conversion business opportunities.

In line with our Mobility For All promise, we have developed a wheelchair accessible vehicle conversion for PROACE Verso, and today, as European premiere, we showcase a wheelchair accessible concept for the CDV segment as well.

We will have the RIGHT products, the RIGHT services, and the RIGHT people, but also the RIGHT place with our Toyota Professional Centres to meet every customer needs.

Our Toyota Professional Centres will all get a brand new, distinctive look. And by end of 2025 we are planning to reach 500 Toyota Professional Centres around Europe.

At Toyota, we believe in the power of our multi-path strategy towards carbon neutrality - including our commercial vehicle range.

Specifically of interest to fleet customers, we offer as current line-up portfolio a wide range of internal combustion engines, mild hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. With a battery electric vehicles sales mix of 10%, we are already a top performing brand in Europe, outperforming the market overall.

But, of course, our ambition is to further increase the mix of zero-emission vehicles by further working with our customers to define the next generation of product solutions.

As possible next steps, we have recently presented battery electric and fuel cell electric prototypes of the iconic Hilux. I believe the fuel cell variant is of key interest in Europe, particularly as we’re also looking at solutions in the medium- and heavy-duty truck markets.

To tell us more about our fuel cell strategy, I would like to invite Yasui-san on stage.

Shinichi Yasui

Executive Vice President Toyota Motor Europe,  R&D, Hydrogen Factory Europe, Connected Technologies & Purchasing  / Chief Project Leader Toyota Motor Corporation, Hydrogen Factory

Thank you Tom.

Good morning, everyone, my name is Shinichi Yasui. I am Executive Vice President of TME R&D and Chief Project Leader of Hydrogen Factory.

Today, I’d like to explain hydrogen related activities in Toyota.

Indeed, we strongly believe that hydrogen fuel cell technology is a great fit for LCVs and we recently demonstrated it in the Hilux at the Olympic games.

In fact, in Paris we showed how hydrogen can be used for many applications – all of which can support a local hydrogen cluster – which in turn creates demand and reduces costs. This kind of cluster combines fuel cell use in cars, taxis, buses, trucks and even boats operating on the river.

This supports our image that carbon is our enemy, and we should use all technologies and a wide range of applications to fight it by multi-pathway approach.

Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible, as soon as possible, everywhere in the world! And not just for light duty vehicles.

We believe fuel cell technology is a very good fit for medium and heavy duty transportation solutions. Let me explain briefly.

The wider use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is coming quickly.

Recently the EU president re-confirmed that hydrogen for carbon reduction is critical for Europe to achieve its climate goals. To support this ambition, the EU and its member states have a wide-reaching framework in place.

The Renewable Energy Directive mandates that 42% of industry hydrogen must come from renewables by 2030…  and 60% by 2035.

At the same time, there is an EU regulation to stimulate the development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This means there will be a hydrogen station every 200 kilometers along the Trans-European Transport Network by the end of this decade.

The point is that green hydrogen is going to be widely available across Europe by 2030. Things are moving.

At the same time, Toyota is not standing still.

We believe that today we already have industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell technology.

However, we have already announced our 3rd generation technology which will further improve efficiency by around 20% and reduce the cost of the FC stack by up to 50%.

The launch of this latest technology will coincide with new infrastructure and green hydrogen developments I just mentioned. This will give an increasing number of transportation companies a practical and affordable way to reduce their carbon footprints.

With our partners we have already created a wide range of applications including buses, boats, trains and stationary power generators.

However, being here in Hannover, I want to highlight the importance of fuel cells for medium and heavy-duty trucks.

Truck companies are facing strict CO2 reduction targets towards 2030. This requires them to develop practical and reliable zero emissions solutions.

This is a key reason why we took trucks very much into account when developing our 3rd generation fuel cell technology. As a result, not only will the efficiency increase and the cost reduce, but the durability will improve significantly.

Our door remains open to new partners in Europe and beyond and we are looking forward to a wide range of fuel cell applications across the whole industry.

Let me end by saying: “The future is something we all create together”.

So, let’s work together to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible and as soon as possible in the transportation sector.

Thank you.

1. The two companies will provide a wider range of options to customers by equipping more passenger cars with fuel cell systems.

Toyota and BMW are collaborating on the development of a third-generation fuel cell system, which will be installed in both companies' models to provide customers with a broader range of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). As a first step, BMW plans to launch its first mass-produced FCEV in 2028.

Both companies will also work to create synergies through collaboration in development and procurement as well as drive down costs by amalgamating powertrain units to expand commercial and passenger vehicle demand. By making FCEV a more accessible option, the partnership will contribute to the creation of a hydrogen society.

2. Establishing sustainable hydrogen supply networks

Both companies believe that working with like-minded partners is essential for realizing a hydrogen society. Given the need to create clusters of demand for hydrogen in the early stages of popularisation, Toyota and BMW will encourage sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand and working closely with hydrogen-producing companies as well as distribution and refuelling facilities to ensure a stable hydrogen supply and reduce costs.
 

Toyota has positioned hydrogen as a key energy source in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, and has been advancing initiatives in collaboration with many partners across the areas of "producing, transporting, storing, and using" hydrogen.

Toyota aims to be best-in-town by conducting locally rooted management that caters to each region's market characteristics and customer needs. Moving forward, we will continue to address the needs of customers in each region by focusing on a multi-pathway approach that includes FCEV, BEV, HEV, and PHEV options, all while steadily working towards reducing CO2 emissions.

For the first time, Toyota will be present at this year's IAA Transportation Hannover with a 700 m² booth displaying the brand’s full Professional line-up.

With the launch of the PROACE MAX, the Toyota commercial vehicle business in Europe reaches a new milestone, by entering the class of large vans in Europe for the first time.

Having already proven its competitiveness in the compact- and medium-sized van market in recent years, Toyota is now present in all important LCV market segments.

Toyota offers the new PROACE MAX in a battery-electric version and is prepared for all conceivable requirements with a wealth of conversion options. Among other things, dropside and chassis versions and tippers are available from the factory; further special adaptations can be made by certified converters.

Toyota also launched this year the updated, mid-size van PROACE, the compact PROACE CITY and the respective VERSO passenger car variants, all of which feature a striking new family design.

In addition, the legendary Hilux pick-up will receive a 48V hybrid system for the first-time next year, which enables efficiency with further improved driving performance and offers extra driving comfort in the city as well as off-road.

KINTO Mobility, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Insurance Services complete the Toyota Professional offering and will also present their services at the Toyota booth.

A section of the Toyota booth will be dedicated for Toyota’s solutions for hydrogen mobility, including a Fuel Cell Hilux prototype, and fuel cell systems that can be provided to other OEMs for integration in trucks, buses or other means of transportation.

The Toyota on-stand press conference is scheduled on September 16 at 10:20 AM. On September 17 at 2:30 PM, Toyota will also join an IAA Commercial Vehicle Talk in Room 12 of the Convention Center to discuss alternative drive systems for commercial vehicles.

IAA Transportation 2024 opens from Sept 17 to 22 at the Deutsche Messe in Hanover, Germany.

The hydrogen-powered truck utilises Toyota fuel cell modules which combine hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) molecules into water while simultaneously generating electricity. As a result, the only tailpipe emission is water. Moreover, fast refuelling ensures high utilisation rates.

Air Liquide, a leader in the production and distribution of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, supplies hydrogen from renewable origin for this project. This collaboration highlights the significance of concurrent development of both vehicles and infrastructure to foster a more sustainable society.

Through these hydrogen truck projects, Toyota intends to support the decarbonisation of heavy duty road transport, which accounts for a quarter of European freight transport based on tonne-kilometres performed. Commercial trucks’ usage patterns and their demand for large volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in developing sustainable hydrogen infrastructures.

This latest collaboration again illustrates Toyota’s objective of supporting and contributing to the establishment of Carbon Neutral societies as much as possible in Europe and beyond.

The annual four-day automotive celebration in grounds of historic Goodwood House in Sussex, England, concluded yesterday (14 July) with Toyota enjoying the opportunity to demonstrate how its carbon-reducing multi-path technology strategy is being developed to enter the world of top-level competition.

Rowan Atkinson, the celebrated international film actor and automotive aficionado, took the wheel of the first European-built hydrogen-fuelled GR Yaris on Goodwood’s hill climb course. David Richards, chairman of both the motorsport and advanced technology business Prodrive and the national sporting organisation Motorsport UK, and the Duke of Richmond, owner of the Goodwood Estate, were among special guests invited to experience the car from the passenger seat.

TGR-WRT was out in force with eight-time World Champion Sébastien Ogier, reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä and 2024 title-challenger Elfyn Evans. The team presented both the GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid and – new this season - Rally2 WRC cars, while the new GR Yaris – a high-performance road car developed with direct input from TGR-WRT and professional drivers – was also put through its paces.

Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala hosted the official handover of the keys of the two special edition versions of the new GR Yaris to Ogier and Rovanperä and introduced a special message from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda (alias “Morizo”) who thanked them for their championship-winning contributions. The drivers have each had direct input into the special editions – produced only very limited numbers – tailoring the cars’ handling to their personal preferences.

The multi-path technology strategy was also embraced by Toyota’s support vehicles at the event. These included the hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux prototype, a new version of the legendary pick-up that has been developed by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, and the Corolla Commercial, another British-made model that has brought the efficiency benefits of hybrid power to the van market. 

The mighty GR DKR Hilux Evo T1U gave a taste of the all-terrain capabilities that are making it a leading contender in this year’s FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, running on all three Goodwood courses – hill climb, rally stage and off-road – piloted by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team members Seth Quintero, Dennis Zenz and Armand Monleon.

A ground-breaking project to realise a hydrogen fuel cell Hilux pick-up has moved into its next and final phase, signalling yet another milestone in Toyota’s progress towards a zero-carbon future. 

Since the unveiling of the first prototype vehicle in September 2023, Toyota and its consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding, have reached an intensive evaluation and demonstration stage. 

The latest landmark in this joint development project further demonstrates the broad scope of Toyota’s multi-path strategy towards carbon neutrality, applying different powertrain solutions – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, fuel cell electric and e-fuels – to suit different user needs and local infrastructure. 

A total of 10 fuel cell Hilux prototypes have now been built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) facility in Derby, England. Five vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to assess safety, performance, functionality, and durability, generating test drive data in real-world situations. Five further units are engaged in customer and media demonstrations, including two at the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. By engaging customers with hydrogen fuel cell technology, Toyota is laying the groundwork for a successful hydrogen transport sector in the future. 

Along with Toyota’s 30 years of research and development into hydrogen fuel cells, know-how from the Hilux project will contribute to the next generation of fuel cell technology, which will offer longer lifecycles, increased driving range for vehicles and significantly reduced costs. 

Toyota expects Europe to be one of the largest hydrogen fuel cell markets by 2030, with steady growth in mobility and power generation applications. As a result, in December 2023 Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the Hydrogen Factory Europe, representing Toyota’s co-ordinated approach to the commercialisation of this technology, from development and production to sales and aftersales. 

The fuel cell Hilux prototype project is an important stepping stone to further develop hydrogen technology and stimulate a wider roll-out of hydrogen eco-systems and infrastructure across Europe. 

Vehicle profile

Based on the legendary Toyota Hilux, with its reputation for Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) on the world’s toughest terrain, the hydrogen fuel cell prototype Toyota Hilux showcases how fuel cell technology can be integrated into a pick-up. 

Since its initial launch in 1968, the Hilux has proved its invincibility time and again, having conquered the North Pole, Icelandic volcanoes and the Antarctic continent, whilst also achieving three victories in the Dakar Rally. The fuel cell Hilux retains that uncompromising DNA whilst looking to a zero-carbon future. 

Externally, the fuel cell Hilux retains the same dimensions and rugged appearance as the latest Hilux. In extra-cab format, it is 5325 mm long, 1855 mm wide and 1810 mm tall but beneath the surface, Toyota’s fuel cell technology marks it out as a trailblazer. 

Power is delivered using core elements from the Toyota Mirai – technology that has proved its quality in almost a decade of commercial production since Toyota introduced the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan in 2015. 

The fuel cell Hilux has an expected driving range of up to 600 km – further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. Meanwhile, thanks to hydrogen’s light weight, a higher payload and towing capability can be achieved compared to other zero-emission alternatives. 

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, each containing 2.6 kg for a total system capacity of 7.8 kg. The tanks are mounted within the ladder frame chassis. 
The polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack contains 330 cells and is mounted above the front axle. The fuel cell Hilux is rear-wheel drive via an e-motor on the rear axle which delivers 134 kW (182 DIN hp) of maximum power and 300 Nm maximum torque. When driving, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions, only pure water. 

A Lithium-ion hybrid battery, which stores the electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, above the hydrogen tanks. This avoids any loss of cabin space. 

Project overview 

Starting with a feasibility study in early 2022 to demonstrate the advantages of hydrogen via a representative prototype vehicle, the hydrogen fuel cell Hilux prototype project has moved forwards at pace towards its concluding phase. 

The feasibility study, undertaken by TMUK and TME, enabled subsequent funding from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts. 

An intense design and development programme ran from July 2022 to January 2023, alongside consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, Thatcham Research and with additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation. 

Parts manufacturing, including chassis frame welding, took place between February and May 2023, prior to prototype construction, which followed Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area within the TMUK facility. Ricardo supported preparations for the prototype build, carrying out design and development tasks and confirming the complete manufacturing process in parallel with teams at TMUK. 

Prototype construction took place between June and July 2023 and the first vehicle was completed in just three weeks. A further nine prototypes were assembled prior to a thorough evaluation phase from July to December last year, including test rig and track testing. 

Those ten prototypes are now undergoing field testing alongside customer engagement activities, which will conclude the final phase of this research and demonstration project for the fuel cell Hilux. 

Hydrogen solutions 

Since the start of its hydrogen fuel cell development in 1992, Toyota has expanded its knowledge of the technology and encouraged its adoption across a wide variety of different mobility uses, with over 20 hydrogen partnerships currently active in Europe. 

These include a five-year trial with hydrogen-powered VDL trucks to decarbonise Toyota’s logistics operations and stimulate the further development of sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe. 

Since July 2021, Toyota cobrands fuel cell buses with its CaetanoBus partner while French clean mobility company GCK uses Toyota’s fuel cell modules to convert ten diesel coaches to zero tailpipe emission vehicles and provide transportation to over 5,000 visitors during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. 

A partnership with Corvus in Norway has realised one of the safest and most advanced marine fuel cell systems available. Furthermore, Toyota worked closely with Energy Observer to create the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission boat to be self-sufficient in energy. 

Toyota fuel cells are also used for non-mobility applications, such as the modular fuel cells which form the basis of Toyota partner EODev’s GEH2 generators. In May 2021, those generators illuminated the Eifel Tower in Paris with green, sustainable light. 

Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell development 

Building on its extensive experience, Toyota is developing its next-generation of hydrogen fuel cell, which is expected to deliver industry leading performance through longer lifecycles and reduced costs. 

Toyota has continued to refine the technology since 1992, and in 2015 the Mirai became the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan, using Toyota’s first-generation fuel cells. Five years later, a new Mirai introduced the second generation of fuel cells, which extended the driving range by 30% to around 650 km. 

To expand the potential of hydrogen beyond cars, Toyota has repackaged its fuel cells into a compact modular form. The main components – the fuel cell stack and components that handle air supply, hydrogen supply, cooling, and power control – are integrated in a compact shape which can be easily adapted into a variety of products and applications. The modules are available in a box or a flat, rectangular format to allow greater flexibility and easier adaptation into new applications. 

These fuel cell modules are assembled locally in Europe, at TME’s R&D centre in Belgium, which houses an assembly line combining advanced technologies with high-quality assembly. The Hydrogen Factory Europe operation will produce an increasing number of fuel cell systems and is closely connected with Toyota’s other hydrogen operations to achieve global reach and service. 

A key element of Toyota’s plan for an expansion in hydrogen usage is the new, third-generation fuel cell technology currently under development, with sales scheduled for 2026-27. These units will deliver a higher power density and an expected 20% increase in driving range. Technical advances and increased production volumes can help to reduce costs by more than a third. 

Further research is also looking at the potential of scalable fuel cell stacks with different power outputs and design of fuel tanks with complex shapes, compatible with different size vehicles.

About the consortium members 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network. 

Ricardo is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy specialising in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. Ricardo has supported the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis. 

ETL (European Thermodynamics) is committed to delivering high-integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation. ETL has studied reversible and multi fan arrangements. 

D2H Advanced Technologies provides high-technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. D2H has completed CFD analysis to highlight where improvements could be made. 

Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks of new vehicle technology, supported the project through the provision of sustainable repair consultancy and the preparation of hydrogen training for the repair market. 

Vehicle specifications (tentative)

King Philippe was welcomed on his arrival at TME Technical Centre by His Excellency, Masahiro Mikami, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium and Yoshihiro Nakata, President & CEO of TME. The King’s visit started with an explanation of Toyota’s global multi-path strategy offering a wide range of zero and low emission technologies to help decarbonise mobility. The tour of the facility included visiting TME’s Hydrogen Factory where hydrogen fuel cell modules are assembled and integrated into a diverse range of zero emission mobility applications ranging from cars to trucks and maritime products.

The King was chauffeured across the premises to the Design Centre in Toyota’s APM (Accessible People Mover), a wheelchair accessible battery electric vehicle designed at TME to transport athletes and others at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.  At TME’s Design Centre, the King was shown how best-selling vehicles such as the new Toyota C-HR are designed and developed in Belgium for the European market and was invited to test his skills in the driving simulator.

King Philippe finished his tour of the Technical Centre by meeting a senior group of BJA and TME members to celebrate the close collaboration of Belgium and Japan with a traditional Japanese kanpai!.

*Toyota in Belgium employs around 6,000 people at its Head Office, Technical Centre, European Parts Centre and its National Marketing & Sales Company (Inchcape) and has cumulatively invested approximately €2.2 billion. Beyond its commercial activities, the company is active in wider society working with Serve the City and tree planting in Zaventem.

Toyota’s ground-breaking Mirai, the world’s first production hydrogen fuel cell sedan, enjoys a series of technology upgrades for 2024 with new and extended features and functions for safety, security, convenience and on-board connectivity and entertainment.

The package of enhancements reinforces the second generation Mirai’s status as a flagship model for the brand and for Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy for reducing and ultimately eliminating carbon emissions. The hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain (FCEV) provides smooth, powerful and near silent performance, with no exhaust emissions other than pure water.

European sales of the 2024 Toyota Mirai will commence February. This summer Toyota will supply 500 zero-emission Mirai to support Paris 2024 as part of a fully electrified fleet of more than 2,650 passenger vehicles it is providing in its role as the worldwide mobility partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). After the Games these Mirai will remain in service with Paris’ hydrogen taxi fleet.

TOYOTA TEAMMATE SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Mirai adopts the latest Toyota Teammate safety and driver assistance features to provide more sophisticated accident detection and avoidance and reduce the burden placed on the driver.

Where the car’s Toyota Safety Sense systems are concerned, updated camera and radar hardware takes accident risk detection to a higher level. For example, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) can now recognise potential head-on collisions and the scope of its Intersection Collision Avoidance has widened so that it can respond to approaching traffic across two lanes and cyclists and vehicles approaching from the side.

Similarly, the hazards recognised by the Emergency Steering Assist now include motorcyclists, in addition to pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles. With the benefit of new acceleration suppression, there is a safeguard against sudden, unintended use of the throttle when travelling at low speed.

The Full Range Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has been tuned for faster and more natural-feeling response and its curve speed reduction function is activated earlier, for smooth driving through a bend.

New Overtake Prevention Support prevents unintentional overtaking on the wrong side of a vehicle and Preliminary Deceleration/Turn Signal Linked Control helps the driver safely rejoin the traffic lane at an appropriate speed and distance from other vehicles.

The Lane Trace Assist (LTA) also has a more natural feel, recognising when the driver has moved out of lane while trying to avoid an obstacle and temporarily cancelling the Lane Departure Warning.

When the ACC and LTA are operating, an Emergency Driving Stop system monitors the driver’s use of the steering wheel and brake and accelerator pedals. If there are no inputs over a set time, it sounds a warning; if there’s no response from the driver, it will bring the car to a gentle halt and trigger the hazard lights.

Mirai further gains Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) which provides a series of automatic aids for safer driving at low speeds. These include Obstacle Anticipation Assist which gives steering and braking support to help the driver avoid approaching too close to obstacles ahead (such as parked vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists). Deceleration Assist provides smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the accelerator to slow down for a slower vehicle ahead, or when entering a bend; Steering Assist detects a bend ahead and adjusts steering force to help the driver adopt an appropriate steering angle.

For 2024, Mirai’s advanced driver assistance systems have been made standard across the range – a Blind Spot Monitor and a Panoramic View Monitor which gives the driver a 360-degree view of the area immediately around the car for safer and more precise manoeuvring.

MULTIMEDIA AND DIGITAL INNOVATION

The 2024 Mirai adopts Toyota’s sophisticated Smart Connect+ multimedia package, accessed via a new-look 12.3-inch touchscreen.

It provides access to cloud-based navigation that is constantly updated with live traffic information for efficient journey planning. In areas where connection to the cloud isn’t available, an additional, embedded navigation system can be used.

As an alternative to the touchscreen, the driver and front passenger can use voice commands and the “Hey Toyota” on-board assistant. The new system recognises conversational speaking style and can be used without the audio having to be turned off.  The audio package itself is a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Smartphones can be integrated with the car’s multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection and all five USB ports in the cabin are now USB-C standard for device connection and charging.

REMOTE PARKING BY SMARTPHONE APP

Toyota is further exploring the convenience offered by smartphone apps with a new remote parking function. This allows the car to be smoothly and precisely positioned in tight parking spaces and can even be used by the driver when they are standing outside the vehicle.

DIGITAL KEY CONVENIENCE

During the second half of 2024, a digital key will be available for Mirai. Using a smartphone app, this can be used by up to five individuals to access and start the vehicle. It’s a completely convenient solution: the user only needs to have their smartphone on their person for the key to operate. As well as making it easier for family members or business associates to use the car without having to hand over a physical key, it can also be used when the vehicle needs to be accessed or collected for servicing or repair.

The Hydrogen Factory will be responsible for producing an increasing number of fuel cell systems and supporting a widening group of commercial partnerships, in line with the company’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040, ten years ahead of Toyota’s global target.

Toyota expects Europe to be one of the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell markets by 2030, with steady acceleration of different mobility and power generation applications. Growing investment and regulatory measures are encouraging development and market growth. These include €45 billion investment from the European Commission’s Green Deal by 2027 and the EU’s transport infrastructure fund has awarded 284 million euros – or approximately one third of its budget - for the installation of hydrogen refuelling stations.

The recent confirmation of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) requires 42% of hydrogen used by industry in Europe to derive from sustainable sources by 2030. Along with the plans to build hydrogen filling stations at a minimum 200 km intervals along the region’s TEN-T (trans-European Transport Network) corridors, Europe is positioning itself at the centre of hydrogen technology.

A growing spectrum of mobility applications

Toyota introduced the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell sedan, the Mirai, in 2015. Second generation fuel cell technology debuted in the next generation Mirai launched in 2020 and was introduced in the all-new Toyota Crown in Japan earlier this year, reaffirming the company’s commitment to hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles.

Fuel cell electric passenger cars benefit of a long driving range and quick refuelling, and under that premise, Toyota is further broadening its exploration towards light duty FCEVs. Earlier this year, the first hydrogen-fuelled Hilux FCEV Prototype pick-up was unveiled. Produced by a Toyota-led consortium in the UK, the prototype demonstrates how a fuel cell might be incorporated in a pick-up. Thanks to hydrogen being light, higher payload and towing capabilities can be obtained for light duty FCEVs compared to other zero-emission alternatives.

Toyota has also been integrating their fuel cell technology into heavy-duty transport and applications for some years now and has recently entered the strategic truck market in Europe, with hydrogen-powered trucks from the French manufacturer Hyliko and the Netherlands-based VDL Groep. Toyota will be using the hydrogen-powered VDL trucks to decarbonise its own logistics operations. The company is also expanding its partnership with Corvus in Norway for future marine applications, like ships and vessels. Furthermore, French clean mobility company GCK will use Toyota’s fuel cell modules to convert diesel coaches to zero-emission hydrogen vehicles.

The next generation

Building on its extensive experience, Toyota is developing next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology that is expected to deliver industry leading performance through longer lifecycles and reduced costs. The new fuel cell technology, scheduled for sales in 2026, will deliver a higher power density. The new fuel cell system is expected to have a 20% increase in driving range, whereas technical advances and increased production volumes are expected to help reduce costs by more than a third. Further research is also looking at the potential of scalable fuel cell stacks with different power outputs and design of fuel tanks with complex shapes, compatible with different size vehicles.

Toyota will supply GCK – a group of industrial companies offering technological solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport – with hydrogen fuel cell modules to convert ten used coaches into zero tailpipe emission electric vehicles. The converted coaches will be purchased by B.E. Green – a French company providing carbon-neutral transportation services – who will introduce the hydrogen vehicles into its existing fleet after use at the Games. The first converted long-distance coach with the Toyota fuel cell module was presented today at the RNTP Transport Event in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

During conversion, the diesel engine and gearbox in the front of a coach are replaced with a 370kW electric motor, batteries, and a Toyota TFCM2-B fuel cell module. With this innovative approach and collaboration, Toyota has demonstrated the flexibility of its fuel cell modules and the potential of converting traditional transport into zero tailpipe emission vehicles.

This collaboration in the long-distance coach sector further expands Toyota's portfolio of partnerships to provide its fuel cell technology for hydrogen solutions across diverse sectors. Fuel cell modules are already in use in trucks, buses, trains, generators and various marine applications. This latest development helps to further accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon neutral society.

Toyota’s Ever Better Mobility for All philosophy believes that freedom of movement is fundamental for a diverse society. Toyota is on its way to becoming a mobility company, working to reduce obstacles to move for all, regardless of their physical abilities. With many thousands of athletes, staff and volunteers, Paris 2024 will be a demonstration of what is possible when we work together for a better and more inclusive society.

In collaboration with the IOC, the IPC and the Paris Organising Committee of Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota is dedicated to making Paris 2024 the most innovative showcase of inclusive and sustainable mobility to date. That starts by making sure that athletes and their families, staff, volunteers, and spectators can all move around sustainably and safely.

Ensuring ‘Mobility for All’

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Toyota will provide solutions to enable the ease of movement for all. To that end, Toyota will offer personal and group mobility products that are designed to enable ease of movement for everyone.

At Paris 2024, Toyota will make available around 250 personal battery electric vehicles – seated C⁺walk_S and standing C⁺walk_T. Both have a maximum speed of 6 km/h and are enabled with front obstacle detection systems to ensure the safety of the drivers and those nearby. The seated version will be available to athletes, organisers and volunteers, whereas the standing version will be distributed to staff and volunteers to facilitate their movement around the Paris 2024 venues.

For wheelchair users, Toyota will also provide wheelchair e-pullers. Fifty of the e-pullers will be available throughout the Paris 2024 in the athletes’ village. An additional 150 will be made available during the Paralympic Games opening ceremony to make sure that athletes in wheelchairs have easy access to join this unique event.

To ensure fair and easy access to these personal micro-mobility solutions in the Paralympic Village, Toyota will offer them as a shared mobility service powered by KINTO Share mobile app. Sharing of these products will maximize their usage by Paralympians and staff, as well as keep the operations more efficient.

In addition to personal micro-mobility solutions, Toyota will deploy around 250 zero tailpipe emission electric Accessible People Movers (APM). Building on the vehicle’s success at the Tokyo 2020 Games, the new APM has been redesigned and built in Europe with the spirit of inclusivity in mind.  

Toyota’s APMs are designed to support all athletes, as well as organisers, volunteers, and spectators with physical disabilities, including wheelchair users. They will take on roles of main shuttle in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, and at the venues; some will in parallel move small goods across the Games and a number of them will be designated as an emergency relief vehicle. APMs will operate mainly inside the Paris 2024 security zones, bringing Toyota’s ‘Mobility for All’ vision into reality.

Toyota will also provide 150 wheelchair-accessible battery electric vehicles Toyota Proace Verso to support the mobility of the Olympic and Paralympic family members in wheelchairs. After Paris 2024, all vehicles will remain in Paris region where they will be used to provide specialised personal transport services to people in wheelchairs.

Overall, Toyota plans to provide 700 personal last-mile mobility products such as C+walk_S, C+walk_T, wheelchair e-pullers, 250 APMs, as well as 150 wheelchair-accessible Toyota Proace, among other mobility solutions. This way, Toyota will ensure that athletes, volunteers and organisers have access to the most inclusive and sustainable mobility fleet ever seen at the Olympic and Paralympic games.

A more sustainable fleet

Sustainability is a significant part of Toyota’s commitment to building a better world, underlined by its Environmental Challenge 2050, by which date the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality at a global level – and in Europe by 2040. That is why Toyota’s multipath strategy, combining different electrified vehicles, is at the core of the Toyota fleet to be made available to the Olympic and Paralympic family at Paris 2024. Toyota will bring a 100% electrified passenger vehicle fleet to Paris, in line with its commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

Overall, Toyota will bring more than 2,650 electrified passenger vehicles to be used during Paris 2024 of which 150 are wheelchair accessible. Around 60% of the fleet will have zero-tailpipe emissions, including battery electric vehicles (BEV) Toyota bZ4X, Proace and Proace Verso and Lexus RZ, and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) Toyota Mirai.

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, Toyota will provide 500 of its hydrogen-fuelled FCEVs Mirai to enable zero tailpipe emission movement for the Olympic and Paralympic family, athletes, organisers and volunteers alike. After the games, all 500 vehicles will join the existing Paris hydrogen taxi fleet, thereby increasing the number of FCEV vehicles to 1,500.

In addition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles, Toyota will also bring around 1,000 hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles – Toyota’s global best-selling RAV4 in both PHEV and HEV versions, as well as Toyota Corolla TS, Yaris Cross, and Highlander, all with hybrid technology.

Furthermore, the official fleet will be complemented by additional vehicles connected via Toyota’ car-sharing service KINTO. The car sharing will give the Olympic and Paralympic family even more flexibility to move around.

Overall, Toyota aims to reduce vehicle carbon emissions at the Paris 2024 Games by 50% compared to those of previous Games. Furthermore, nearly 60% of all Toyota’s fleet will be produced in Europe, including 37% in France, contributing to the vision of a sustainable and locally sourced Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Building a sustainable hydrogen mobility legacy

Toyota believes that hydrogen is a key pillar for the creation of a low-carbon and a more sustainable society. That is why the company has put it at the heart of its mobility concept for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the Paris 2024, Toyota will showcase its vision of building a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem through a demonstration of hydrogen solutions that further push the boundaries of hydrogen-powered mobility.

In addition to the 500 Toyota Mirai FCEVs, Toyota will also bring specific applications that go beyond the traditional automotive offering. Overall, Toyota and its partners are planning to showcase up to 10 different hydrogen mobility, mostly fuel-cell, applications – a significant increase from Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. Applications will range from buses and trucks to boats and forklifts – all demonstrating the potential of hydrogen-powered society. These applications are a result of Toyota’s integration of its fuel-cell technology with partners, with the aim of solving today’s most pressing mobility challenges.

Among the hydrogen applications to be on display in Paris 2024 are two FCEV city buses, converted specifically for this occasion. The buses were designed with accessibility and team spirit in mind and will be able to transport an entire wheelchair team in one bus.

On the logistics side, Toyota will showcase the benefits of hydrogen-powered FCEV trucks, developed together with its partners. In addition, FCEV forklifts, designed by Toyota Material Handling, will further demonstrate how hydrogen-powered logistics operations can support hydrogen economy.

Toyota’s fuel-cell technology will be present in FCEV-powered boats, coaches, the hydrogen Hilux prototype, and other solutions to support the operations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Building a sustainable hydrogen-powered mobility requires a robust ecosystem that supports hydrogen-based business solutions. Toyota expects that by demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen mobility solutions at Paris 2024, it will encourage a wider roll-out of the hydrogen infrastructure.

Putting people at the centre with Global Team Toyota Athletes

Toyota’s partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a result of Toyota’s commitment to building a better world of tomorrow. Sports and the way that athletes face and overcome challenges to reach their goals is an inspiration and show the way to a more inclusive and sustainable society.

That is why Toyota is a proud partner of around 200 athletes from 40 countries on their road to qualify and compete in Paris 2024, all training under the umbrella of Global Team Toyota Athletes. These Olympians and Paralympians embody Toyota’s core value of continuous improvement and desire to overcome challenges.  

Toyota’s commitment to building a better society goes even further. The company is dedicated to making movement better for everyone and ensuring that everyone gets the same chance to be their very best. In 2018, Toyota rolled out a global corporate campaign ‘Start Your Impossible’, that reflects the Olympic and Paralympic spirit of encouragement, challenge and progress. The initiative is built on three pillars - Ever Better Society, Ever Better Toyota and Ever Better Mobility for All - that encompass Toyota’s pledge to a constantly evolving world. The campaign continues with Paris 2024.

In addition, in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota Motor Europe, under the banner ‘Start your Impossible’ has launched a European activation campaign. Over 100,000 Toyota employees from across Europe can take on non-business-related challenges, such as sports, volunteering, or mindset shift activities to contribute to the ever-better society, and therefore an ever-better Toyota. And by being active in their lives and their communities, they can be one of the 4,000 employees to get a chance to attend and support the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

____

Cities around the world still face challenges surrounding mobility, having to solve issues ranging from traffic congestion to air pollution, traffic accidents, and access for people with impairments. Starting from Tokyo 2020 and through Beijing 2022, and continuing now in Paris 2024, Toyota is hoping to help cities tackle these challenges around the world and contribute to developing a sustainable mobility society.

Toyota will disclose more of its plans and contributions, including those related to new mobility products and solutions, moving forward between now and Paris 2024.

100% ELECTRIFIED PASSENGER FLEET 

LAST-MILE INCLUSIVE MOBILITY SOLUTIONS

In its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, Toyota believes in a multi-path approach to mobility through a diverse range of battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, full hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In this way, customers across all regions can benefit by having access to a range of zero and low-emission vehicles which best meet their needs.

The Toyota Mirai is a prime example of the company's commitment to offering zero-emission vehicles. This hydrogen fuel cell powered sedan,  combines the advantages of electric mobility with unequalled comfort of use, autonomy, and rapid recharging, demonstrates Toyota’s determination to decarbonise.

The Toyota Mirai fleet will be refuelled with hydrogen from renewable sources provided by Air Liquide, Official Hydrogen Supporter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

* London 2012,  Rio 2016

This first demo truck will be used to perform road testing and evaluation of improvements towards the next steps of the project. VDL Groep is preparing four more fuel cell trucks, which will be used by Toyota’s logistic providers VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT and Yusen. These transportation companies will greatly contribute to the project by using the hydrogen trucks on their daily logistics routes passing by Belgium (Antwerp), France (Lille), Germany (Cologne), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam). The four routes have at least one hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) each, including back-up solutions.

The cooperation between all parties is expected to consolidate the learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks on public roads and contribute to Europe’s ecological energy transition. The 5-year trial is expected to stimulate the further development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe meeting the AFIR requirements and allow for more carbon neutral hydrogen mobility solutions to emerge. 

This project is complementing Toyota’s initiatives to decarbonise logistics and supporting their long-term goal to become fully carbon-neutral by 2040. Beyond the electrification of passenger cars, the company sees high value in collaborating with multiple partners to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and accessible zero-emission hydrogen economy. It is therefore partnering with companies from all mobility sectors and with different skills in order to test and provide reliable and efficient solutions.

_{About VDL Special Vehicles}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is a specialist in the field of battery electric and hydrogen solutions for on- and off-road vehicles. As a contract manufacturer, we provide production capacity for small to medium-sized series of (parts of) zero-emission vehicles. In addition, we can also support in areas such as product development, prototyping, and certification of zero-emission drivelines, up to the extent of fully developing an alternative driveline for your application. VDL Special Vehicles enables its customers to Offer vehicle solutions that make the world a cleaner place. Our background lies in the development and production of chassis for buses and coaches in a variety of applications. It is because of this experience that we started developing zero-emission drivelines more than 20 years ago. This knowledge and experience have been used over the past two decades to develop various hydrogen and battery-electric solutions for medium and heavy road vehicles such as buses and trucks. Our engineering team is capable of integrating these and other solutions into existing third-party vehicles. Examples include construction, agricultural, port, or airport equipment. In addition, as a contract manufacturer, we offer third parties the opportunity to have their zero-emission vehicles produced in our facilities.}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is part of the international, industrial family business VDL Groep, with its head office in the Eindhoven Brainport region, the Netherlands. It was founded in 1953 and now, 70 years later, the third Van der Leegte family generation has been at the group’s helm since 2017. VDL Groep has over 16,000 employees and operates in 19 countries. The group comprises more than 100 operating companies, each with its own specialism, working together intensively. The activities of these companies can be summarised in the ‘five worlds of VDL’: Science, Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech. The combined annual revenue in 2022 amounted to €5.752 billion. Read more on www.vdlgroep.com.}

_{For more information about VDL Special Vehicles, please contact: Miel Timmers   +31 6 147 67 066  - m.timmers@vdl.nl}

The ground-breaking pick-up was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s vehicle plant in Derby, England, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding. Hilux is a global icon of the Toyota brand with a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability. The development project has explored how these qualities might be maintained while adopting a new fuel cell electric zero emission powertrain.

Vehicle profile

The new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan – technology that has proved its quality in almost 10 years of commercial production. When driven, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions other than pure water.

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, giving the prototype Hilux an expected driving range of more than 600 km – significantly further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. The hybrid battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

Project history

The project began in early 2022 with a feasibility study undertaken by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe. Funding was subsequently gained from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts. This enabled the start of an intense design and development programme from 1 July 2022, with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, Thatcham Research and additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

Prototype construction began on June 5 this year, working to Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area within the TMUK facility. The first vehicle was completed just three weeks later, the first of 10 that will be built by the end of this year. These will undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety, dynamic performance, functionality and durability meet the high standards required of a production model.

The project has enabled TMUK members to develop and apply new skills relating to fuel cell electrified vehicles and hydrogen system components. The consortium members have also all played key roles in the initial phase of the programme. Ricardo has supported preparations for the prototype build, carrying out design and development tasks and confirming the complete manufacturing process in parallel with teams at TMUK.  Ricardo will undertake complete evaluation of the vehicle over the coming months, prior to a decision on a potential production model being introduced in the second half of this decade.

About the consortium members

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyota’s first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the company’s first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.

Ricardo is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy specialising in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. Ricardo has supported the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis.

ETL (European Thermodynamics) is committed to delivering high-integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation. ETL has studied reversible and multi fan arrangements.

D2H Advanced Technologies provides high-technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. D2H has completed CFD analysis to highlight where improvements could be made.

Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks of new vehicle technology, supported the project through the provision of sustainable repair consultancy and the preparation of hydrogen training for the repair market.

The company sees significant potential in using hydrogen trucks to decarbonise its logistic routes. The lower mass of hydrogen systems allows for heavier payload and the fast refuelling of hydrogen is essential for transport with high utilisation. Hydrogen can refuel a truck as quickly as diesel and the usage patterns of trucks with their demand for larger volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in maturing sustainable infrastructures around key routes.

VDL Groep will build the first fuel cell truck by the summer of 2023, followed by more vehicles to be produced and assessed on TME logistics routes in the autumn of 2023. The project will consolidate learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks, further supporting the company’s long-term vision of decarbonising logistics and reducing Toyota’s carbon footprint beyond the electrification of passenger vehicles.

Fuel cell trucks also have a key role in the growth of the wider European hydrogen ecosystem, strongly supporting transport decarbonization and an ecological energy transition. Heavy-duty vehicles are critical in generating a healthy supply and demand dynamic for hydrogen. The profitable feedback loop will stimulate the development of a sustainable infrastructure, while allowing other new mobility applications to emerge. The infrastructure for hydrogen trucks can simply be stretched to other  hydrogen vehicles that can use the same hydrogen refueling stations. This new truck project is one of many that Toyota has recently put into place with multiple partners, including those for light commercial vehicles, boats, trains and buses, with the goal of accelerating the transition to a hydrogen economy.

_{About VDL Special Vehicles}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is a specialist in the field of battery electric and hydrogen solutions for on- and off-road vehicles. As a contract manufacturer, we provide production capacity for small to medium-sized series of (parts of) zero-emission vehicles. In addition, we can also support in areas such as product development, prototyping, and certification of zero-emission drivelines, up to the extent of fully developing an alternative driveline for your application. VDL Special Vehicles enables its customers to Offer vehicle solutions that make the world a cleaner place. Our background lies in the development and production of chassis for buses and coaches in a variety of applications. It is because of this experience that we started developing zero-emission drivelines more than 20 years ago. This knowledge and experience have been used over the past two decades to develop various hydrogen and battery-electric solutions for medium and heavy road vehicles such as buses and trucks. Our engineering team is capable of integrating these and other solutions into existing third-party vehicles. Examples include construction, agricultural, port, or airport equipment. In addition, as a contract manufacturer, we offer third parties the opportunity to have their zero-emission vehicles produced in our facilities.}

_{VDL Special Vehicles is part of the international, industrial family business VDL Groep, with its head office in the Eindhoven Brainport region, the Netherlands. It was founded in 1953 and now, 70 years later, the third Van der Leegte family generation has been at the group’s helm since 2017. VDL Groep has over 16,000 employees and operates in 19 countries. The group comprises more than 100 operating companies, each with its own specialism, working together intensively. The activities of these companies can be summarised in the ‘five worlds of VDL’: Science, Technology & Health, Mobility, Energy & Sustainability, Infratech and Foodtech. The combined annual revenue in 2022 amounted to €5.752 billion. Read more on www.vdlgroep.com.}

_{For more information about VDL Special Vehicles, please contact:}

_{Sanne Beemster                                          +31 6 535 1022                                                                           s.beemster@vdlspecialvehicles.com}

TME’s Fuel Cell Business is looking to further expand into the wider commercial vehicle sector as a means to accelerate the growth of zero emissions hydrogen mobility. Specifically, it sees great promise in trucks, which are responsible for 77% of all freight transported on European roads. While the lower mass of hydrogen systems allows for heavier payload, the fast refuelling of hydrogen is also essential for heavy commercial transport with high utilisation. Commercial trucks usage patterns and their demand for larger volumes of hydrogen position them as key contributors in developing sustainable infrastructures. Globally, Toyota is already working with multiple truck partners to integrate fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport. The ZANZEFF “Shore to Store” project in US, which started back in 2019, recently proved that fuel cell electric trucks can match diesel performance and provide a zero-emissions alternative ready for commercial deployment.

The partnership with Hyliko also marks another step towards TME’s vision for hydrogen ecosystems in Europe, stimulating both supply and demand to expand into viable business models. As hydrogen energy is a key pillar of Europe’s energy strategy, TME is prioritising the expansion of  different types of fuel cell applications within hydrogen ecosystems to support their growth. TME’s partnership strategy aims to develop synergies between the different business sectors and supports communities that want to further expand into fully fledged hydrogen corridors.

Hyliko will offer two models of fuel cell trucks: a 44t tractor and a 26t straight truck (available in 6x2 and 6x4 variants). Each of these vehicles will be equipped with two Toyota fuel cell modules. As part of its truck leasing offering, Hyliko plans to introduce its own green hydrogen infrastructure, including fuel production, storage and distribution.

About Hyliko

Hyliko is the first integrated decarbonization solution for road freight transport. To meet the logistics and road transport sectors new challenges, Hyliko offers a hydrogen mobility platform with a negative carbon footprint, combining the leasing and maintenance of hydrogen trucks, the supply of green hydrogen fuel and the management of carbon credits. Hyliko also offers tailor-made support and pay-as-you-go vehicles. A solution adapted to the needs of its customers for an accelerated and large-scale deployment. More information on www.hyliko.com

The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funding to cover the development of a fuel cell powered Hilux. In collaboration with highly skilled UK based technical engineering partners, namely Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project’s aim is to adopt second generation Toyota fuel cell components (as used in the latest Toyota Mirai) for the transformation of a Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle. While TMUK is leading the project, a team from Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build its own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities. 

For over 20 years, Toyota has been promoting a multi-path approach to carbon neutrality by offering a diverse vehicle line-up including all electrified technologies, Hybrid Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Electric, Battery Electric and Fuel Cell Electric. The development of a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential building block towards this goal. Within the scope of the bid, the initial prototype vehicles will be produced at the TMUK site in Burnaston during 2023. Following successful performance results, the target is to prepare for small series production. This project represents an exciting opportunity to investigate an additional application of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in a vehicle segment that is key to a number of industry groups and will help support the sector’s move towards decarbonisation.

About the Consortium:

Ricardo - a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy that specialises in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. They will support the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis. 

ETL - European Thermodynamics is committed to delivering high integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation. They will support in delivering state-of-the-art thermal management solutions.   

D2H - The D2H group of companies provides high technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. Their thermodynamic expertise will be crucial to the project. 

Thatcham Research - Thatcham Research was established by the motor insurance industry in 1969, with the specific aim of containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims while maintaining safety standards. They will support in terms of crash safety and insurance ratings. 

The three companies will use their complementary expertise to address the entire value chain of hydrogen mobility, ranging from renewable or low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution and refuelling infrastructure, to the deployment in different vehicle segments. Initially the focus will be on buses, light commercial vehicles and cars, with a further aim to accelerate the heavy-duty truck  segment.

By exploring joint opportunities, the three major players of hydrogen mobility will contribute to the emergence of new hydrogen ecosystems across Europe, a key step to stimulate demand and facilitate hydrogen access for other mobility applications. This includes the infrastructure and refuelling stations, as well as integrated vehicles offers (leasing and service) to customers such as taxi companies, fleet operators, local authorities, and others. The integration of different applications and projects within a hydrogen ecosystem, where supply and demand meet, is intended to create a virtuous circle enabling the overall hydrogen infrastructure to further mature. This initiative represents another step along the path of decarbonization, which is consistent with the stronger focus from European governments and the readiness of hydrogen technologies.

^{About Air Liquide}

^{A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 75 countries with approximately 66,400 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902.}

^{Air Liquide’s ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability - with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company’s customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.}

^{Air Liquide’s revenue amounted to more than 23 billion euros in 2021. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.}

^{Corporate Communications contact: media@airliquide.com} 

^{Investor Relations contact: IRTeam@airliquide.com}

^{About CaetanoBus}

^{CaetanoBus, part of Toyota Caetano Portugal and Mitsui & Co, is a bus and chassis manufacturer in Portugal. The company has a consolidated offer in vehicles for cities and airports which is a result of its technical capacity in developing unique, customer-oriented mobility solutions. CaetanoBus is also the manufacturer of COBUS, the world’s market leader in airport bus transportation. CaetanoBus has been focusing on electric mobility since 1980. Follow us on LinkedIn.}

^{Public Relations Contact: Raquel Noutel Santos - raquel.santos@caetanobus.pt - T: +351 915 278 883}

TME engineers will support the overall design of the system and the integration of the module into the bus to ensure optimum efficiency, power and service life. The heavy-duty unit’s efficiency results in a comparatively low consumption of hydrogen relative to the power generation. With an integrated voltage converter, the TFCM operates in a voltage range of 450 to 700 volts and most efficiently at around 30kW.

In line with its vision of a decarbonised society, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars to include heavy duty trucks, small delivery trucks, boats and buses. To realise  this goal, Toyota is establishing partnerships with several European OEMs that share the same hydrogen vision. Bringing together all types of hydrogen applications around hydrogen infrastructure, will support the development of ecosystems where hydrogen mobility can expand further.

Toyota has built, tested and delivered 6 fuel cell modules for the next phase in the project. These modules include the latest Gen2 technology offering more power and higher density in a more compact package. It was decided to use the flat module configuration, allowing the most efficient integration in the demonstration train’s roof.

Three of the modules have already been delivered  to CNH2. These fuel cell modules will first be tested together with the batteries in the full system on a test bench, before moving to CAF. The remaining 3 modules will go directly to CAF by mid-February, where all 6 modules will be installed in the demo train.

With the delivery of Toyota’s fuel cell modules, the teams can now develop the Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for the hybrid, bi-modal drive system powering of the train. This system combines the electrical power supplied from the overhead line with the fuel cell hybrid power pack that works independently, powering the train. This demonstrator train, a CIVIA electric commuter train manufactured by CAF, is provided by Renfe; both FCH2RAIL consortium partners. CAF will install the fuel cell modules, as part of the hybrid power pack into the train.

Once the integration is complete the consortium will begin the initial functional tests and trial runs for the approval process within the Spanish and Portuguese tracks. The project aims at testing the energy management and validating whether it can be a reliable and viable solution for hydrogen zero-emission trains. The FCH2Rail project is funded by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU).

2^nd generation fuel cell modules

To help facilitate the expansion of its hydrogen technology from cars to diverse uses, Toyota Mirai’s fuel cell system has been re-packaged into compact fuel cell modules. From January 2022, Toyota will start production of the 2^nd generation modules, based on its advanced 2^nd generation fuel cell system. The new system, which is packaged into more compact, lighter modules also provides more power density. The modules are available in two shapes, a cube and a flat, rectangular shape to allow more flexibility and easier adaptation for a variety of applications.

European production

Toyota began fuel cell development way back in 1992 and the company has continued to refine its hydrogen technology. The new second generation fuel cell modules will also be assembled by our manufacturing team in Europe, at Toyota Motor Europe’s (TME) Research and Development facility, in Zaventem, Brussels. Starting in January 2022, the new facility houses a pilot assembly line combining advanced technology content with high-quality assembly.

Toyota took the decision to assemble their second-generation fuel cell modules in Europe, as it sees demand grow significantly across the region. In collaboration with entrepreneurs interested to use Toyota’s technology in their applications, TME’s Fuel Cell Business Unit will offer the necessary engineering support for integration. This proximity to its partners and the ability to closely monitor emerging business opportunities, will allow the company to scale up supply quickly.

Hydrogen Clusters

The expansion of a European Hydrogen economy will be a key element in achieving the Green Deal’s objective of net-zero global warming emissions by 2050. The EU has stated that to meet this challenge, industry will need ‘climate and resource frontrunners’ to develop the first commercial applications of breakthrough technologies in key industrial sectors by 2030. The emergence of hydrogen clusters in Europe sees different sectors uniting and bringing their skills, technologies and applications together - such as truck, bus, taxi fleets and H2 infrastructure, to create viable business opportunities, allowing them to flourish and become the nucleus of larger-scale activities.

As it implements hydrogen technology solutions to a wide range of applications, Toyota supports the creation of a hydrogen environment, a ‘living oasis’, where supply and demand meet to further grow.

When you get into a new taxi in Copenhagen in 2025, it should emit neither CO2 nor any kind of air pollution. This is the Danish government's objective for the taxi industry, which must take the lead in the green transition like public bus traffic, according to local politicians.

The app-based taxi service, DRIVR, is one of the taxi companies that is at the forefront of the green transition. As a customer it has long been possible to choose between hybrid, electric and hydrogen cars. Now DRIVR significantly increases the number of hydrogen taxis in the fleet and has put over 100 hydrogen taxis on the roads in Copenhagen at the beginning of November in collaboration with Toyota. All 100 cars are Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicles, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen car, only emitting water while driving.

After one of Denmark's largest public tenders for taxi services, the City of Copenhagen, has chosen DRIVR to handle the entire municipality's so-called ‘adhoc taxi service’. This means that children with disabilities, mentally challenged citizens, citizens on their way to the hospital, municipal employees on duty and politicians will in future be transported completely emission-free in hydrogen cars when driving by taxi.

Toyota, which has delivered the more than 100 hydrogen cars to DRIVR, generally reports a growing interest in hydrogen cars in the taxi industry and welcomes DRIVR's forward-looking approach to mobility.

DRIVR's over 100 hydrogen taxis have been launched as part of the European hydrogen for transport projects, Hydrogen Mobility Europe 2 (H2ME2) and Zero Emission Fleet vehicles For European Rollout (ZEFER), supported by The Hydrogen And Fuel Cell Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), in which both the City of Copenhagen, Toyota and the Hydrogen industry are partners. The project aims to spread hydrogen solutions for transport across the EU and has contributed to both wagons and hydrogen refueling stations in Denmark.

Since 2019,TME has integrated Toyota’s fuel cell technology, including fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks and other key components, into the hydrogen city buses manufactured by CaetanoBus. More recently, in December 2020, Toyota Caetano Portugal (TCAP) became the direct shareholder of CaetanoBus to support rapid expansion from its core bus business into the development and sales of zero-emission buses.

Over the past year, the Portuguese bus company has reinforced its international presence with surging sales of its zero emission buses throughout Europe. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of CaetanoBus’ engineering capability and cutting-edge technology of its zero emission products in the competitive European bus market.

The H2.City Gold is the CaetanoBus’ hydrogen powered electric bus using Toyota’s fuel cell system.

The city bus has a range of 400km and can be refuelled in under 9 minutes. This vehicle showcases both companies’ complementary technologies and engineering capabilities. It represents the first step in the co-branding strategy, which also includes the e.City Gold 100% electric bus. At the heart of the co-branding is a change of the vehicle badging to include both “Caetano” and “Toyota” logos, acknowledging Toyota’s strong visual recognition amongst European customers.

The cars are available in a new KINTO mobility station located at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and as all other KINTO-cars, bookable via the KINTO-mobile app.

KINTO is part of Toyota’s global vision to provide all kinds of services related to the mobility of people, all around the world. KINTO Europe, established on 1st of April, was the latest step in the journey from mobility as a project to mobility as a business, with a view of truly delivering ‘Mobility for All’. In Europe, KINTO is already active in 10 countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Portugal and is expanding quickly.

Toyota Mirai was first introduced in 2014 in Japan and has been available in Europe since 2016. The second generation Mirai was launched in Europe earlier this year and is equipped with Toyota’s latest fuel cell technology, making it lighter, more compact, more efficient and even cheaper than before. Johan Lundbland comments:

The 1003 zero-emission kilometres were driven on public roads, south of Paris and in the Loir-et-Cher and Indre-et-Loire areas, and the distance & consumption were certified by an independent authority.

Green hydrogen was used during the record attempt and the average fuel consumption was 0.55 kg/100km, with Mirai being able to store 5.6 kg of hydrogen.

The new Mirai demonstrated its efficiency and ease of driving

The new Mirai is the second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle from Toyota. It offers more performance, a sleeker and more dynamic design and new driving dynamics compared to the first-generation product.

In addition, the increased efficiency of the fuel cell system, together with higher hydrogen storage capacity and better aerodynamics, contribute to an increase of driving range to around 650 km under normal driving conditions, with less than 5 minutes refuelling time at a 700 bar refuelling station.

To achieve this 1003 km driving distance record, the drivers adopted an “eco-driving” style but no special techniques that could not be used by everyday drivers.

The Toyota Mirai and hydrogen at the heart of Beyond Zero

Beyond Zero highlights that zero emissions isn't Toyota’s destination.

It's simply a step in Toyota’s electrification journey to overcome barriers and build a better future for all: beyond emissions, beyond restrictions, beyond expectations and beyond barriers.

Mirai clearly demonstrates the ‘beyond emissions’ aspect by highlighting the advantages of zero emissions electric mobility whilst providing safety, comfort, extended range and ease of recharging.

Moreover, hydrogen, as a credible and abundant resource to transport and store energy, represents a strong opportunity for creating a better society.

Hydrogen can deliver zero-emission mobility, not only to road transport, but also to trains, boats and aircrafts, and to generate energy for industries, companies and households.

In that respect, Toyota supports many initiatives to democratise and diversify fuel cell applications: electric generators (EODev), boats (Hynova), taxis (Hype), buses (RATP and Caetano), trucks (Hino), the hydrogen city (Woven City) and other usages.

Record Achieved By 4 Drivers

The 4 drivers that completed the record attempt included Victorien Erussard, the founder and captain of Energy Observer.

Energy Observer, for which Toyota is a partner, is the first boat equipped with a Toyota fuel cell, is energy autonomous, zero emission and stands as a communication tool and as a research laboratory towards the energy transition. Energy Observer has now evolved into a company dealing with exploration and innovations. It recently presented its brand-new exhibition village dedicated to renewable energies and hydrogen in Paris.

During that event, the Eifel Tower was illuminated for the first time by green hydrogen, thanks to the GEH2® hydrogen generator developed by the EODev start-up organisation, of which Toyota is a shareholder.

James Olden, an engineer at Toyota Motor Europe, Maxime le Hir, Mirai product manager and Marie Gadd, PR manager of Toyota France were the other 3 drivers.

Statements

Frank Marotte, CEO of Toyota France

“It’s an amazing challenge that we achieved with the new Mirai. Internally, it is the mindset of Start your Impossible, going beyond our own limits, that drives us, and we proved it again today. I would like to thank the teams of Toyota France and Toyota Europe, as well as Victorien at Energy Observer, with whom we share the same vision and the same ambition. It is by strong partnerships that we will be able to contribute to a better and more environmentally-friendly society. With Toyota’s ambition to go ‘Beyond Zero’ in mind: take a seat for the future.”

Victorien Erussad, founder and captain of Energy Observer

“I am very happy to have taken this challenge of 1000 km beyond the wheel of the new Mirai. Toyota has always been at the forefront of hydrogen innovation and our collaboration gets stronger year by year. As a former open ocean racer, I need to take challenges and I warmly thank Frank Marotte and his teams to have taken me on this zero-emission adventure, showing that nothing is impossible and that hydrogen mobility is here today!”

Facts and figures

Distance travelled with one hydrogen fill: 1003 km

Average hydrogen consumption: 0.55 kg/100km

Range remaining (as indicated by on-board information system): 9 km

Link to Video

Link to Footage

The GEH2^® generator is also powering the Energy Observer village during its event at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Many companies which provide hydrogen energy and mobility solutions are presenting their vehicles and applications to demonstrate a sustainable and innovative perspective on the cities of tomorrow.

Multiple applications using Toyota hydrogen fuel cell technology are also on display, including the new Mirai, a city bus produced by CaetanoBus and the REXH2^® maritime range extender & the GEH2^® generator developed with EODev. These products are all in the market today, providing real-world solutions and raising awareness amongst governments, industry, media, customers and the public.

As the Official Mobility Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paris has a special significance for Toyota. During the Games, Toyota will provide zero-emission vehicles and advanced mobility products to highlight its commitment to zero-emission mobility solutions and “Mobility for All”.

On the right track to develop a Bi-modal Fuel Cell Train

Almost half of the railway lines in the European Union are electrified and enable local emission-free rail transport. On the remaining sections of the lines, diesel powered trains are used. Within the EU project FCH2RAIL (Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack for Rail Applications), a consortium with partners from Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal is developing and testing a new zero-emission train prototype. At the heart of the project there is a hybrid, bi-modal drive system that combines the electrical power supply from the overhead line with a “fuel cell hybrid power pack” (consisting of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries) that works independent of the overhead line.

The project FCH2RAIL was already launched in January and the reference routes and operating scenarios for the prototype have now been defined as a first result.

Overhead line and hybrid system: Bi-modal, emission-free travelling

Where energy is available from overhead lines, the train takes the energy from them. When there are no overhead lines, the energy will come from the fuel cell and battery system, called the ‘Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack’.

"We want to show that this type of bi-mode train is a competitive and environmentally friendly alternative to the diesel train", describes project leader and researcher Holger Dittus from the German Aerospace Center - Institute of Vehicle Concepts (DLR).

Today, many railway lines are being equipped with overhead lines in Europe, a very expensive and long-term project that depends on the local geographical conditions. An alternative are purely battery-powered trains, but they have a limited range of operation (30 to 70 kilometres), depending on the route profile and outside temperatures. Current diesel trains have lower performance in terms of top speed and acceleration compared to vehicles powered by electric motors from overhead lines.

"Our bi-modal hybrid fuel cell battery system combines the advantages of both technologies: Energy coming from the overhead lines or from on board. This lets us make rail transport even more sustainable and energy-efficient", says Sergio Gascon, Technical Project Manager at Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), summarising the main goal of the project.

The energy supply system is to be designed in such a way that power and range can be expanded based on a modular principle: The number of fuel cell and battery modules influences the drive power; the number of hydrogen tanks determines the operation range on non-electrified lines. Therefore, the drive unit can be designed for use in both passenger and freight transport.

With a budget of 14 million euros, the project aims to develop, demonstrate and approve such a system within the next four years. The project is funded with 10 million euros by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU).

“Our study on hydrogen and fuel cells in the railway environment showed that there is significant potential for FCH technologies in the rail environment and that hydrogen-powered trains will be an important part of building a sustainable European transport system.” states Bart Biebuyck, Executive Director of FCH 2 JU. “The European Commission has made it clear in its Hydrogen strategy that hydrogen is a promising option where electrification is more difficult – such as specific parts of the rail network. The FCH2RAIL project will demonstrate that the technology provides a flexible, zero-emission solution to replace diesel trains in these areas and I am looking forward to seeing their results.”

Put on track: Functional tests with converted commuter train

To understand the environmental impacts of such a system, from its production, to its use, up to its disposal and to evaluate the performance under real conditions, it is planned to convert a CIVIA electric commuter train (manufactured by the Spanish manufacturer CAF) and to integrate a fuel cell hybrid power pack in this train. The Spanish state railway operator Renfe is providing the train. One of the central components of the on board energy system are the packaged fuel cell system modules from Toyota Motor Europe (TME), while the batteries and power converters will be provided by CAF. Initial functional tests and trial runs for approval will take place on Spanish and Portuguese tracks with the support of the infrastructure managers Administrador de Infrastructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF) and Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP). The Spanish hydrogen research centre Centro National de Hidrogeno (CNH2) has been entrusted with the construction of a hydrogen fuelling station to refuel the prototype and in FCHPP testing before train integration.

We embrace this opportunity of working within the consortium to bring our fuel cell technology to another type of hydrogen application. Hydrogen has an important role to play in helping decarbonise Europe's railways, and we are excited to integrate Toyota fuel cell modules into the "Fuel Cell Hybrid Power Pack”, said Thiebault Paquet, Director of the Fuel Cell Business Group at Toyota Motor Europe.

Designing and controlling the system, energy management and homologation

Until the first trial runs, the international project team still has a number of technological challenges to solve: For the design, fuel cell and battery modules must be combined and controlled in such a way that the system meets all requirements and can be implemented cost-effectively at the same time. In addition, it should be possible to use the waste heat from the fuel cell modules in an efficient way to heat and air-condition the train. The air conditioning manufacturer Faiveley / Stemmann Technik (STT) and DLR are investigating innovative solutions for reducing the energy demand for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as part of the project.

The project also examines norms and standards in the fields of hydrogen and rail transport and attempts to bring the two together assuring safe interaction between the hydrogen technology and overhead catenary at all times. Based on this, the project team is developing proposals for responsible authorities to make approvals across EU of such trains easier in the near future.

For more information please contact:

DLR: H. Dittus, Holger.dittus@dlr.de

Toyota Motor Europe: Vasilis Kopelas, Vasilis.Kopelas@toyota-europe.com

"We are very pleased with the capital investment in our business by Toyota. It marks a significant step in the development of EODev. Our relationship began by developing the GEH2 and REXH2 together and validating it with the Energy Observer boat. Toyota's capital investment makes our partnership even closer. This is a real recognition of the work carried out by our respective teams and a strategic acceleration for EODev", said Jérémie Lagarrigue, CEO of Energy Observer Developments.

In early 2020, EODev and TME Fuel Cell Business integrated Toyota’s leading fuel cell technology in the Energy Observer boat, ahead of its Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings. This marked Toyota’s expansion into a new business area where it has become a fuel cell technology supplier and integrator. Both companies worked together to develop hydrogen products around the Toyota modular fuel cell system. EODev’s REXH2_© is a maritime hydrogen power solution that can be integrated into different kinds of ships, in full compliance with environmental and regulatory constraints. Their GEH2_© stationary generator is another example of a zero-emission solution using the Toyota hydrogen technology.

“We are extremely happy to support and be more closely involved in the initiatives by EODev. This will enable the industrialization of hydrogen solutions developed by both companies’ engineers using the Toyota fuel cell technology. We both embrace the Sustainable Development Goals as a direction towards a better society and a better world. Our partnership has already been very successful, and this enhanced cooperation will help further develop products that accelerate decarbonization and the growth of a hydrogen society”, commented Matt Harrison, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe 

The partnership started in 2017, when Toyota France decided to sponsor the Energy Observer. It is the world's first hydrogen-powered boat, capable of producing its own hydrogen on-board from seawater thanks to solar, wind and hydro generated power.

As more European countries and cities announce strategic policies to promote the decarbonisation of mobility, it is expected that commercial vehicles, especially city buses will be electrified rapidly. Therefore, TME will further expand its commercial zero-emission mobility by leveraging CaetanoBus’s long-standing bus business and recent strong efforts in the development and sales of zero-emission buses.

Already today, TME is supplying the Toyota fuel cell technology to CaetanoBus and integrating it into their first hydrogen bus with a range of 400km. Triggered by this enhanced alliance, TME will initiate in the development, production and distribution of Toyota fuel cell buses to expand its zero emission mobility solutions to promote further growth of the hydrogen society.

Finlog, on the other hand, will develop a full operational lease program focused on the bus business. Using their know-how from passenger car full-service leasing, they are increasing their portfolio of zero-emission mobility solutions throughout European cities.

To maximise the opportunities for hydrogen in Europe, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has established a Fuel Cell Business Group to oversee its hydrogen activities across the region. Based in Brussels, it will strengthen the business case for hydrogen and support its introduction into mobility and other fields, making it accessible to new commercial partners. This will support the company’s long-term sustainability strategy in order to have a deeper impact on the SDGs.

Speaking at Toyota’s Kenshiki forum last week, Thiebault Paquet, Director of the Fuel Cell Business Group said:

Toyota is in the forefront of hydrogen technology innovation, having introduced the Mirai, the world’s first commercialised hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan, in 2014. Since, development of the Toyota fuel cell system has continued, making it more compact, lighter, and yet also more energy-dense. In 2021, the comprehensively improved system will debut in the next generation Mirai.

Toyota’s technology has the flexibility to be used not just in cars, but to produce zero-emission power in multiple applications. It is already powering trucks, urban bus fleets, fork lifts and generators. Tests are also under way for its use in boats and trains.

To accelerate hydrogen’s widespread take-up, Toyota will focus on hydrogen “clusters” or eco-systems in European centres where a local infrastructure is supporting transport fleets and mobility services. It believes activity like this will drive demand for hydrogen, bringing down costs and strengthening the viability of the supply infrastructure, which in turn will attract more customers.

Through the new Fuel Cell Business Group, Toyota will work closely with industry partners, national and regional governments and organisations to stimulate the development of hydrogen eco-systems in more locations and progress towards the goal of a Hydrogen Society for the benefit of all.

Last week, Energy Observer Developments presented this REXH2 in the HYNOVA 40, a 12m boat from HYNOVA Yachts, which can be used as a day-boat or a superyacht tender. While the Energy Observer boat’s main propulsion comes from electricity directly generated from sun and wind, the HYNOVA Yacht is a battery electric boat, supplemented with the Hydrogen Range Extender with the Toyota fuel cell at its core. With a capacity of 12 passengers, it is the first pleasure boat equipped with fuel cell technolgy and brings zero emissions, hydrogen-electric hybrid technology to the wider maritime industry.

The Toyota fuel cell module inside the REXH2 delivers up to 60 kW rated net power and is based on the existing fuel cell technology from the Toyota Mirai. The R&D carried out by the EODev and Toyota teams has made it possible to perfectly adapt the technology to the challenging conditions of the marine environment.

With this kind of projects, Toyota is enhancing a wider business strategy around their fuel cell technology which has the flexibility to be adapted for a variety of uses. Together with the supply of fuel cell modules, the Fuel Cell Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe provides technical support and expertise to guarantee the optimal use of the module. 

Toyota is integrating its fuel cell technology into a wide variety of applications including buses, trucks, generators and boats.

Toyota Motor Europe’s new project with EODev follows last year’s successful integration of the Toyota fuel cell module into the Energy Observer boat. EODev’s ambition is to deploy the learnings from the Energy Observer boat and provide sustainable hydrogen solutions across a diverse range of applications. Both companies share a common mission to raise awareness about the versatility of hydrogen and the transition to a Hydrogen Society.

The fuel cell module in the GEH2 generator, was developed around the existing hydrogen technology that already powers the Toyota Mirai. The total unit is packaged in a compact module weighing about 290kg and has a rated net power of 60kW with a peak net power of 92kW.

Projects come with Toyota technical support and the know-how to integrate the module into customers’ power applications. The Fuel Cell Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe serves as the interface to guarantee the optimal use of the module. Toyota has been integrating their fuel cell technology into a variety of applications lately, including buses, trucks and boats.

The cooperation started in September 2017 with initially 20 Toyota Mirai in Hamburg and the fleet was expanded to up to 45 vehicles at several German locations. Throughout this period, no repairs or parts changes were needed, apart from regular maintenance.

The Toyota Mirai was presented in 2014 and has been available in Europe since 2015. It can be ordered by both private and commercial customers. As a luxury vehicle, the fuel cell sedan offers its occupants maximum comfort and maximum environmental friendliness thanks to the four individual seats: the emission-free Mirai only requires hydrogen for propulsion, which is converted into electrical energy in the fuel cell and the 113 kW / 154 hp electric motor drives. This only creates water vapor. With one tank of fuel, the Toyota Mirai travels up to 500 kilometers and the refueling takes just under three minutes.

Later this year, the second generation Mirai will start production in Japan and will bring even longer range in a beautiful new design.

The interest in hydrogen is recently increasing as it becomes more evident that it has the potential to significantly contribute to CO₂ reduction in the transport and other sectors where pure electrification has its limits. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are relevant for intense usage and long-distance drives as required by the EU Parliament, emitting nothing but water. The car will be fuelled at Air Liquid’s Hydrogen Station that was built on the grounds of Toyota’s Technical Centre in Zaventem and it will utilise the hydrogen station network of H2Mobility Germany when driving to Strasbourg.

In line with Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050, the Energy Observer demonstrates and shares solutions to champion an ecological and energy transition, supporting tomorrow's energy networks to make them efficient and applicable on a large scale. As the first French ambassador of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Energy Observer is detecting and promoting positive initiatives and sustainable solutions to design tomorrow's future, and to prove that a cleaner world is possible.

For the next leg in the journey, Energy Observer and Toyota have worked closely together to introduce Toyota’s leading fuel cell technology in the boat. Toyota Technical Center Europe has especially developed this fuel cell system, using components first introduced in the Toyota Mirai and fitted it into a compact module suitable for marine applications. It will deliver more power and efficiency, but also high reliability to cross the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean this year.

The R&D team in Europe managed within 7 months the design and component production, followed by the build and installation of the compact fuel cell module. This successfully demonstrates the adaptability of the Toyota fuel cell technology to a variety of applications. At the end of last year, the fuel cell module was tested in the boat in the shipyard. Currently, the final full power testing is being done at sea before the Energy Observer sails off for their 2020 Tour mid-February.

The Toyota Fuel Cell System has proven its benefits already for many years in the Mirai, but more recently also in other applications such as buses and trucks. Using it for maritime transportation is again another step closer to the development of the hydrogen society. Toyota believes that hydrogen is the catalyst for energy decarbonisation and the technology acceptance can accelerate with the Toyota Fuel Cell System modular solution, which can be considered for a multitude of applications.

The company’s press conference will be live-streamed on Vimeo, in the Mandalay conference center, Oceanside A.

Click on the following link on January 6 at 22:00 CET to view the press conference: 

https://livestream.com/Toyota/2020CES

From January 7-10, Toyota will have a display booth (#6919) in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Visitors attending the booth will experience a visual depiction of Toyota’s ecosystem plans along with mobility products including, e-Palette, micro-Palette, LQ and Walking Area BEVs.

Also included in the booth will be two innovation areas:

• Toyota AI Ventures, Toyota’s US based venture capital firm, will feature several portfolio companies along with an overview of its investment direction. 
• Toyota IP Solutions, Toyota’s newly formed patent team will provide information about the benefits of licensing the impressive IP from Toyota’s accomplished R&D efforts.

Link full press release: Toyota to Build Prototype City of the Future

This marks the first concrete step of a collaboration announced in September 2018 by Toyota’s European subsidiary, Toyota Motor Europe, and CaetanoBus SA, a major Portuguese bus engineering and production company, to build hydrogen fuel cell city buses.

Working since 2018, the teams at TME and CaetanoBus were able to develop the new hydrogen fuel cell bus, another step towards a hydrogen society, thanks to the strong effort and technical capability of the engineers while demonstrating the good adaptability of Toyota’s fuel cell technology beyond the Mirai passenger car.

The stack is located on the bus’s roof and is coupled to 5 hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 37.5 kg, giving the bus a range of up to 400km. It can be refuelled with hydrogen pressurised at 350 bar in under 9 minutes, and its only emissions are water vapour.

This gives city bus operators a zero-emission solution without compromise in operation due to charging time or high load conditions. The trial bus will be operated in various European cities over the next months, before commercialisation mid 2020.

In line with its vision of a decarbonised society – as stated in its 2050 environmental challenge, Toyota is promoting the application of its hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond passenger cars, including heavy duty trucks, small delivery trucks, forklifts and buses.

¹ Depending on driving cycle, AC and heating requirements

² According to SAE J2601-2 & SAE J2799 (IR)

³ Busworld, the oldest and most famous bus and coach only exhibition in the world, celebrates its 25th edition at a new venue at Brussels Expo. The new CaetanoBus H2.Citygold bus can be seen at the CaetanoBus in booth 903A.

During our Hydrogen Society Experience event, 16 stakeholders presented their initiatives towards the creation of a Hydrogen Society. (please refer to the press kit in the download section on the right for their summary)

Mirai product information: 

https://newsroom.toyota.eu/2015-toyota-mirai-at-the-forefront-of-environmental-sustainability/

Please find all our Press Releases related to Hydrogen listed in chronological order (latest on top)

The current Mirai has been a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved. It is a car that is technically sophisticated, yet eminently practical with a driving range of around 500km, easy refuelling in a matter of minutes and no emissions other than pure water. Since launch, around 10,000 units have been sold, while Toyota has actively supported the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure in key markets worldwide.

This has been just the beginning: at the Tokyo Motor show, Toyota will provide an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design.

Scheduled for launch in 2020, initially in Japan, North America and Europe, the new Mirai will be much more than an eco-car, showing how its FCEV technology is no barrier to creating a vehicle that is rewarding to drive and beautiful to look at.

Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer, said: “We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face.

“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society.”

The new Mirai’s immediate impact is in its exterior design, with low lines, elegant proportions, sleek, taut bodywork and large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look. The preview car will be presented in a specially developed new blue paint finish that uses multiple layers to achieve an exceptional brightness and depth of colour.

The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense this is a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and travel in. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.

The freedom to craft a more emotional and head-turning design has been one of the benefits of new Mirai being constructed on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform, which was engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give the new Mirai linear, smooth response when pulling away and an elegant driving feel, with unity between the driver’s throttle inputs and the car’s acceleration. Handling is light and easy on winding roads, while highway driving produces an exceptional sense of power at all speeds.