GEORGETOWN, Kentucky (July, 2021) – After thousands of miles of real-world testing in the harsh environment of commercial trucking, Toyota is preparing to further expand its portfolio approach to products as it takes its groundbreaking hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric technology from prototypes to production in its efforts toward carbon neutrality.
Starting in the fall of 2022, a dedicated line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) will begin assembling fuel cell drivetrain kits destined for use in hydrogen-powered heavy-duty commercial trucks. The FC kits bring Toyota’s electrification strategy further into focus as it will allow truck manufacturers to incorporate emissions-free fuel cell electric technology into existing platforms with the technical support of Toyota under the hood.
“We’re bringing our proven electric technology to a whole new class of production vehicles,” said Tetsuo Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Heavy-duty truck makers will be able to buy a fully integrated and validated fuel cell electric drive system, allowing them to offer their customers an emissions-free option in the Class 8 heavy-duty segment.”
The production kits will integrate fuel cell stacks built by Toyota in Japan with high voltage batteries, electric motors and hydrogen storage assemblies from top tier suppliers. Toyota will also provide its powertrain integration expertise that will help truck makers adapt these emissions-free drivetrain systems to a wide variety of applications in the heavy-duty trucking sector.
“This second-generation fuel cell system is necessary for a carbon neutral future,” says David Rosier, Toyota Kentucky Powertrain Head. “It 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.”