Toyota Moves Closer to Production with Next Generation Fuel Cell Electric Technology for Zero-Emissions Heavy Duty Trucks

Rhea-AI Summary

On Dec. 10, 2020, Toyota announced advancements in its fuel cell electric technology, now powering new Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. Utilizing the same system as the 2021 Mirai sedan, these prototype trucks will operate at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach for performance validation. The trucks feature enhanced hydrogen storage and a powerful lithium-ion battery, achieving over 300 miles of range at a full load of 80,000 lbs. This initiative supports Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050, aiming for zero CO2 emissions and reducing pollution in port areas.

Positive

• Successful development of prototype heavy-duty trucks using next-generation fuel cell technology.
• Trucks achieve over 300 miles of range while supporting a full load of 80,000 lbs, demonstrating strong performance.
• Supports Toyota's commitment to eliminating CO2 emissions by 2050.
• Innovative hydrogen storage and battery systems enhance efficiency and drivability.

Negative

• None.

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota's next generation fuel cell electric technology is now powering a new set of Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. Using the same fuel cell system as the all-new 2021 Mirai sedan that goes on sale this month, the engineers at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development have developed a set of production-intent prototype trucks that are being prepared to run drayage routes at the ports of L.A. and Long Beach to validate their performance, efficiency and drivability.

Designed to be flexible enough to meet the needs of a wide variety of OEM truck makers, the new fuel cell electric system in the latest prototypes has been adapted to a Kenworth T680 chassis. A more compact hydrogen storage cabinet behind the cab houses six hydrogen tanks with the same capacity as previous prototypes while a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery helps smooth out the power flow to the electric motors. In this configuration, the second generation fuel cell system delivers over 300 miles of range at a full load weight of 80,000 lbs., all while demonstrating exceptional drivability, quiet operation, and zero harmful emissions.

"This is an important step in the transition to emissions-free heavy-duty trucks," said Andrew Lund, chief engineer, Toyota Motor North America Research and Development. "Our first prototype trucks proved that a fuel cell electric powertrain was capable of hauling heavy cargo on a daily basis. These new prototypes not only use production-intent hardware, they will also allow us to start looking beyond drayage into broader applications of this proven technology."

Reducing airborne pollution at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach is an important driver of this program. Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050 aims to almost completely eliminate CO2 emissions from our vehicles, operations and supply chain by 2050. Converting the drayage trucks that currently serve these ports to electric drivetrains would move us closer to that goal while improving the quality of life of operators, workers, and communities in and around the ports.  

TMNA R&D

Toyota Motor North America Research & Development (TMNA R&D) aims to redefine next-generation vehicles to more than simply a form of transportation.  Since 2003, Toyota has been awarded more patents than any other automaker, including autonomous vehicle patents (more than 1,400). Centered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Toyota TMNA R&D puts the brightest thinkers from across the globe together to focus on letting people live more safely and comfortably. Globally, Toyota spends approximately $1 million per hour on R&D to ensure that Toyota rapidly and continuously develops cutting-edge, high-quality, and appealing vehicles. 

 

Media Contacts:

Ed Hellwig
469-292-1165
edward.hellwig@toyota.com

Brian Lyons
469-292-3573
brian.lyons@toyota.com

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

What is Toyota's latest advancement in fuel cell technology for heavy-duty trucks?

Toyota's new Class 8 heavy-duty trucks utilize next-generation fuel cell technology, mirroring that of the 2021 Mirai sedan.

What is the range of Toyota's new fuel cell electric trucks?

The new trucks achieve over 300 miles of range at a full load of 80,000 lbs.

How does Toyota plan to reduce emissions at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach?

Toyota aims to convert drayage trucks to electric drivetrains to minimize pollution and enhance community health.

What is the significance of the Environmental Challenge 2050 for Toyota?

The Environmental Challenge 2050 focuses on nearly eliminating CO2 emissions from Toyota's operations and vehicles by 2050.

When did Toyota announce its new fuel cell electric trucks?

Toyota announced its new fuel cell electric trucks on December 10, 2020.