Honda is set to debut a groundbreaking hydrogen semi truck concept at this year’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas, focusing on clean medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
While Honda has been perceived as lagging behind in electrification, particularly compared to other Japanese automakers, under the leadership of CEO Toshihiro Mibe, who assumed the role in April 2021, the company has begun to accelerate its efforts.
In addition to unveiling new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) like the Honda Prologue and the Acura ZDX, developed in collaboration with GM, Honda has introduced a unique fuel cell plug-in hybrid version of its CR-V.
The latest addition to its lineup is a Class 8 semi truck concept powered by hydrogen, marking a significant step in Honda’s hydrogen strategy, which encompasses commercial vehicles, consumer vehicles, stationary power stations, and construction equipment.
While details on the fuel cell truck concept remain scarce, Honda aims to leverage it as part of a broader hydrogen strategy. The company has released a spec sheet for the concept, but as the vehicle is not yet in production, these figures would likely change if it were to enter production.
Honda has not disclosed a timeline for production, citing the need to secure production partners to bring the concept to fruition. While Honda does not manufacture trucks, it intends to supply the fuel cell systems to be used in trucks produced by larger manufacturers.
Other major manufacturers, such as Kenworth in partnership with Toyota and Daimler’s GenH2 hydrogen truck, have also announced hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Honda may seek a partnership similar to Toyota’s, collaborating with a truck manufacturer like Peterbilt or Mack.
Although startups like Nikola have made strides with hydrogen fuel cell trucks, the market for such vehicles remains relatively small compared to the growing battery-electric truck market.
Honda believes that commercial vehicles like fuel cell semi trucks could drive demand for hydrogen, thereby creating a more viable hydrogen economy. Currently, there are few hydrogen filling stations, and commercial hydrogen is costly. Honda hopes that increased deployment of hydrogen vehicles will help stabilize these issues.
The ACT Expo, happening next week, will showcase news and innovations in medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Our correspondent Jo Borras will be on-site to provide coverage and insights from the conference.
