Toyota recently announced the development of a new fuel cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System), as part of its continued efforts toward achieving a hydrogen society.

The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Plus, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a substantial reduction in costs compared to the prior version.

In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026 at the earliest.

Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel for carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries. Toyota has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of “Create, Transport, Store, and Use” hydrogen in relation to its R&D activities.

To further accelerate the use cases and adoption of FC technology to achieve a hydrogen society, the automaker said in a statement that the continuous evolution of FC technology is necessary.

Main Features and Commercial Fleet Application

In 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), selling approximately 28,000 units across 30 countries and territories. Since 2019, Toyota has been supplying FC systems for other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2,700 units to more than 100 customers globally.

The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System include:

1. Main Features

• Improvement in durability up to 2x that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.

• Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the preceding generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.

• Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.

2. Expansion of Lineup

The 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in various commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships.

For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides a greater cruising range. The new FC system offers durability comparable to diesel engines and high power for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. In addition, by designing the system to be compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.

In Japan, Toyota works with partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society.

According to the company, the new 3rd-Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback, insights from proof-of-concept, and demonstration tests over the past several years.