Toyota and Scania are joining forces to accelerate the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty transportation, with a new real-world trial involving 40 fuel cell electric trucks.
Under the partnership, Toyota will supply its latest third-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles participating in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. The trucks will be tested in real logistics operations, providing both companies with valuable data on performance, efficiency and the long-term potential of hydrogen-powered transportation.
The first Scania hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks are scheduled to begin operating in the first quarter of 2027.
Scania’s Pilot Partner programme brings the Swedish truck manufacturer together with selected customers to evaluate emerging sustainable transportation technologies under actual operating conditions.
The programme is designed to go beyond laboratory testing by examining how new technologies perform during demanding logistics operations. For hydrogen fuel cell trucks, the trial will focus on factors including technical performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.
Toyota’s fuel cell technology will be integrated into Scania heavy-duty vehicles, allowing the companies to assess whether hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks can meet the requirements of long-distance and high-utilisation commercial transport.
Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system produces 300 kW of power while maintaining a compact design intended for heavy-duty applications. The system can also be used in other mobility and industrial applications.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is increasingly being considered for applications where battery-electric vehicles can face challenges related to range, charging time, vehicle weight and intensive daily operation.
Heavy-duty trucks are particularly important to the development of a wider hydrogen economy because commercial fleets can create consistent demand for hydrogen and help support the expansion of refueling infrastructure.
Toyota says the collaboration with Scania is intended to demonstrate how its latest fuel cell technology can contribute to demanding transportation operations across Europe.
“Hydrogen is the right solution for demanding heavy-duty applications, where long range, high utilisation and operational efficiency are essential,” said Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation.
The real-world testing with Scania customers will provide additional information about how hydrogen fuel cell trucks perform outside controlled test environments.
For Scania, the Pilot Partner programme provides an opportunity to evaluate hydrogen technology directly with customers and identify both its advantages and challenges.
Scania Chief Technology Officer Sara Forsberg said the partnership will provide valuable insights into the performance of fuel cell technology in demanding transport applications.
The companies expect the programme to help determine where hydrogen fuel cell trucks can offer a practical alternative to conventional diesel trucks and battery-electric vehicles.
The results could also help shape future vehicle development, infrastructure requirements and the overall business case for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty transportation.
Toyota is expected to provide additional details about the fuel cell technology and the partnership during its IAA Transportation press conference on September 14.
