Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has unveiled its third-generation fuel cell (3rd Gen FC) system, reinforcing its commitment to advancing hydrogen technology and fostering a hydrogen-based 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. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant 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.
The 3rd Gen FC System will be unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, February 19 at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan.
Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of 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 continuous evolution of FC technology is necessary, and this 3rd Gen FC system represents a significant step-change.
Toyota’s 3rd Gen FC System builds on its experience since launching the MIRAI FCEV in 2014, with over 28,000 units sold globally. Since 2019, Toyota has also supplied more than 2,700 fuel cell systems for applications like buses, railroads, and power generation. Collaborating with partners in Japan, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima, Toyota has integrated these systems into the commercial sector. The new 3rd Gen FC System incorporates customer feedback and insights from demonstration tests to enhance performance and support the transition to a hydrogen-based society.
The 3rd Gen FC System offers double the durability of its predecessor, comparable to diesel engines, along with a maintenance-free design. It improves fuel efficiency by 1.2x, extending cruising range by 20%, and features significant cost reductions through design and manufacturing innovations. The system is adaptable for various applications, including commercial vehicles, passenger cars, stationary generators, rail, and ships. Its compact design enhances integration into different vehicles. Toyota remains committed to advancing a hydrogen society through collaborations with governments, companies, and organizations.
