Toyota Motor Europe and Dutch manufacturer VDL Group have expanded their hydrogen fuel cell truck project with four additional vehicles now deployed for international logistics operations across Western Europe. The development follows the successful demonstration of an initial prototype last year.
The new 40-tonne trucks, equipped with Toyota’s second-generation fuel cell modules, are being operated by logistics partners Vos Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT, and Yusen. Routes include Diest in Belgium, Lille in France, Cologne in Germany, and the Dutch cities of Rotterdam and Weesp. All routes have hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in place, with contingency solutions available in case of disruptions.
“This initiative is in line with Toyota’s goal to reach carbon neutrality in its logistics operations by 2040, but it also aims to contribute to growing the hydrogen economy,” said Thiebault Paquet, Vice President R&D at Toyota Motor Europe. “Heavy-duty fuel cell trucks can boost the demand for hydrogen, which is one of the key contributors along with the implementation of the EU’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). Together with our logistics providers, we aim to gather learnings from the daily operation of our first hydrogen-powered logistics fleet and further improve the vehicles and operational processes.”
Toyota claims the trucks can travel up to 400 kilometres on a single tank under real-world conditions, offering performance comparable to conventional diesel vehicles. Although detailed technical specifications have not been disclosed, the fuel cell system likely uses a dual-module setup—each module rated at 60 or 80 kW depending on configuration. Press images show cylindrical hydrogen tanks mounted behind the cab, a design consistent with other hydrogen truck platforms.
The five-year field trial, initiated under a cooperation agreement signed in May 2023, aims to collect operational data to refine hydrogen truck technology and its supporting logistics infrastructure. The broader objective is to support the uptake of fuel cell systems in the commercial transport sector and foster demand for hydrogen across the European market.
Toyota also plans to launch a third-generation fuel cell system from 2026, with increased efficiency and double the durability of the current version. While full specifications remain undisclosed, the system is expected to serve a wide range of applications, including passenger cars, trucks, buses, trains, and stationary energy solutions. Key commercial partners already using Toyota fuel cells include BMW, Caetano Bus, Karsan, Paccar, and Hyliko.