Toyota is reaffirming its commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology, but shifting its focus away from passenger cars. While the Mirai hasn't achieved widespread success, the company believes hydrogen has a significant role to play – particularly in powering heavy commercial vehicles.

Toyota Joins Cellcentric Partnership

Toyota intends to become a third shareholder in Cellcentric, a German startup established in 2021 and currently jointly owned by Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group. This move signifies Toyota’s dedication to advancing the next generation of hydrogen fuel cells.

Collaboration and Expertise

A non-binding Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the four companies to collaborate on fuel cell technology. Toyota brings over three decades of experience in hydrogen fuel cell development to the partnership. Karin Rådström, President and CEO of Daimler Truck; Koji Sato, President of Toyota Motor Corporation; and Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group are leading this initiative.

Fuel Cell Technology for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Upon completion of the agreement, the three shareholders will have equal rights, with a shared objective to develop, manufacture, and sell fuel cell systems specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles and similar applications. This includes powering long-haul trucking and other demanding sectors.

Cellcentric's Current Capabilities

Cellcentric’s current production-ready fuel cells, the BZA150, will power a limited production run of Mercedes-Benz NextGenH2 trucks starting later this year. Each BZA150 fuel cell delivers 150 kilowatts and utilizes up to 85 kilograms of liquid hydrogen stored in two tanks.

The power generated is channeled through a 101-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which then powers the rear electric axle – borrowed from the eActros 600 all-electric truck – capable of producing up to 496 horsepower. This system effectively functions as an extended-range electric vehicle without the need for traditional charging.

Proven Performance

In 2023, a 40-ton Mercedes-Benz truck powered by the BZA150 fuel cells successfully completed a 650-mile journey on a single tank of hydrogen, demonstrating performance comparable to diesel-powered trucks. Refueling takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Toyota's Next-Generation Fuel Cell

Toyota also unveiled its third-generation fuel cell last year, promising increased power and efficiency, along with a lighter and more compact design. The company claims this new fuel cell rivals diesel engines in performance while offering maintenance-free operation and zero harmful emissions.

Cellcentric's NextGen System

Cellcentric is already developing its NextGen fuel cell system, targeting a continuous output of up to 375 kW – more than double the current BZA150 system. Engineers aim for a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, a 40% reduction in waste heat and complexity, and a 40% increase in power density.

However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology remains contingent on the development of a robust refueling infrastructure, which currently lags significantly behind diesel and electric charging networks.