Toyota Begins Using Fuel Cell Trucks For Green Logistics In Europe

According to the company, the trucks are being operated by Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics. These vehicles are used to support the logistics activities of Toyota Parts Centre Europe, which handles over 500,000 vehicle parts and accessories each day.

The information shared by the company highlights that the 40-tonne trucks are powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen through a fuel cell system. The trucks are capable of travelling up to 400 kilometres on a single refueling under regular operating conditions.

Toyota and the logistics providers will observe and record the trucks’ performance during daily use. The data will help assess how fuel cell trucks operate within the existing logistics routes.

The trucks are powered by electric motors, which result in reduced noise and vibration levels compared to conventional diesel trucks. This affects both the driving experience and the areas through which the trucks operate.

Thiebault Paquet, Vice President R&D, Toyota Motor Europe said, “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. 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.”