Isuzu and Toyota to jointly develop Japan’s first light-duty fuel cell electric truck – production in FY2027

Isuzu and Toyota will collaborate on the development of a mass-produced light-duty fuel cell electric truck, both companies announced in a joint release. With start of production targeted to take place in financial year 2027, the hydrogen-powered truck will be based on Isuzu’s Elf EV combined with Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system.

According to the companies, light-duty trucks in Japan are often used for deliveries, with many being equipped with refrigeration or frozen storage capabilities. They also make multiple deliveries per day, requiring long operating hours and being driven long distances.

“Under such operating conditions, quick energy replenishment is essential to maintaining operational efficiency. For such high-utilisation applications, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) which use hydrogen as a high-energy-density fuel, represent an effective option,” read the release.

Like battery electric vehicles (BEVs), FCEVs produce little vibration or noise and emit no CO2 while in use. However, BEVs face the challenge of limited range and long charging times compared to FCEVs, which have a significantly lower refuelling time and offer a long driving range with filled hydrogen tanks.

In addition to the joint development product, both companies will also work to enhance fuel cell durability, achieving the high levels of reliability and practicality required of commercial vehicles. They will also engage with local governments and businesses to support the wider adoption of hydrogen mobility.

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