Toyota and Scania have announced a partnership to integrate hydrogen fuel cell solutions into heavy mobility through real-world logistics operations. As part of this collaboration, Toyota will supply fuel cell modules for the 40 heavy-duty trucks participating in the Scania Pilot Partner programme.
This programme, which brings together Scania and some of its customers, aims to evaluate a wide range of sustainable transport technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, under real-world conditions. With heavy-duty, zero-emission fuel cell applications continuing to expand, this initiative is expected to confirm their technical performance, operational efficiency, and total cost of ownership. The use of Toyota's hydrogen fuel cell technology within the Scania partnership will allow for an assessment of the suitability of fuel cell electric trucks for demanding heavy-duty road transport operations.
The vehicles will be equipped with Toyota's third-generation fuel cell module, which combines an extremely compact architecture with 300 kW of power for heavy-duty applications and many other diverse uses.
The first Scania electric trucks with hydrogen fuel cell power will enter service in the 1Q27.
“We believe that heavy-duty road transport plays a key role in developing the demand for hydrogen and the related infrastructure. Furthermore, we are convinced that hydrogen is the right solution for demanding heavy-duty applications, where high range, utilisation rates, and operational efficiency are essential. The integration of Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell module into Scania customers’ logistics operations represents a major step forward, ensuring that hydrogen mobility plays a more significant role in the European heavy-duty road transport sector,” said Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corp.
“We are delighted to partner with Toyota to study the performance of fuel cell technology in demanding transport operations under real-world conditions. Through our Pilot Partner programme, we collaborate with some of our customers to test new technologies in real-world applications, learn from the experience, and continue developing our solutions. This collaboration will provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with using hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty road transport,” commented Sara Forsberg, Chief Technology Officer of Scania.
Toyota will provide further information at its press conference scheduled for 14 September at the IAA Transportation show.