Toyota, 7 European Partners Team Up to Accelerate Fuel-Cell Truck Rollout - The Japan News

HANOVER, Germany — Toyota Motor Corp. plans to deepen ties with seven European automakers and energy companies as part of efforts to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen fuel cell trucks in Europe.

By building hydrogen supply networks and reducing fuel costs to levels comparable to diesel, Toyota aims to expand the commercial vehicle market for hydrogen, the company said Tuesday.

The partnership also includes Daimler Truck Holding AG, Volvo AB and major auto parts supplier Robert Bosch GmbH, among others.

Through this partnership, Toyota will supply fuel cell system components and hydrogen refueling technology, while Daimler plans to introduce 100 next-generation fuel cell trucks starting late this year.

An energy company within the partnership also plans to invest in the development of hydrogen stations capable of supplying up to 100 vehicles a day.

In Europe, efforts are underway to implement regulations meant to encourage the use of hydrogen derived from renewable energy in the industrial and transportation sectors.

Under these regulations, hydrogen refueling stations are mandated to be installed at 200-kilometer intervals along major highways, aiming to expand the number from 186 locations at the end of 2025 to 650 by 2030.

Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima said at a press conference Tuesday that the automaker will accelerate the transition to a hydrogen society by drawing on technology and expertise developed in Japan.