Hyliko, the French fuel cell truck developer, has entered into an agreement with Toyota to supply fuel cell modules for its first H2 trucks. The deal covers a 44-tonne tractor unit and a 26-tonne truck, both of which will be available in 6×2 and 6×4 variants.
Under the agreement, each vehicle will be fitted with two 2nd generation fuel cell modules from Toyota. In addition, Forsee Power was contracted to provide battery systems for the H2 trucks, while the hydrogen tanks will be supplied by Plastic Omnium.
According to Hyliko, its hydrogen fuel cell trucks will have a range of between 400 to 900 km and will require only 20 minutes to refuel. The company has designed the trucks to be fitted with bodies for a variety of applications including vans, fridges, flatbeds, dump trucks, and cranes with energy-intensive use.
See also: Hyliko selects Forsee Power to provide battery systems for its hydrogen trucks
Ovarith Troeung, CEO of Hyliko, explained that the company’s vision extends beyond developing clean and efficient vehicles. It also includes leasing and maintenance of hydrogen trucks and supply of hydrogen fuel. This approach is becoming increasingly popular among providers of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as the infrastructure for fuel cell trucks is only just beginning to roll out.
Thiebault Paquet, Vice President Toyota Motor Europe R&D2 and Head of Fuel Cell Business, praised Hyliko’s holistic and long-term view on the growth of a viable hydrogen ecosystem, calling it necessary for business sustainability and reassuring investors.
Toyota has been actively involved in developing hydrogen infrastructure in Europe. CaetanoBus, the European bus maker, uses Toyota’s fuel cell technology for its H2 buses. In 2020, the two companies strengthened their ties, and since the summer of 2021, CaetanoBus’s hydrogen and battery-electric buses have carried the Toyota logo.
See also: Toyota completes test for long-distance hydrogen bus with fuel cell technology from Mirai sedan
The fuel cells being integrated into Hyliko’s trucks are Toyota’s 2nd generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. This latest cooperation with the truck sector further expands Toyota’s portfolio of partnerships, which includes diverse sectors such as trains, buses, generators, and various marine applications.
