Toyota develops 3rd gen fuel cell system targeting commercial sector
14 February 2025
Toyota Motor has developed a new third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System). 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 on 19 February 19 at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan.
In 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and has since sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories. Additionally, since 2019, Toyota began supplying FC systems for use in other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2,700 units to more than 100 customers globally.
In Japan, Toyota works with many partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society. The new 3rd Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback and insights from proof-of-concepts and demonstration tests over the past several years.
The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System are:
Improvement in durability, up to 2x (two times) that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.
Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the prior generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.
Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.
The 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.
I do not understand the Japanese and European continued fascination with hydrogen fuel cells. You would think that Toyota would have learned a painful lesson with their fuel cell car. Currently they are selling the Mirai in California for $15,000 with $15,000 worth of free fuel and they can not even give them away. Batteries are getting better much faster than fuel cells and use less than half the energy and have lower maintenace costs. A smarter and more profitable use of their resources would be to build battery electric trucks including class 8 trucks for local delivery and then add battery electric long haul as the batteries improve. Even now, the Tesla Semi is supposed to get 500 miles (800 km) of range with a 30 min 70% charge. Fuel cells are no needed for cars, trucks, or buses. Maybe aircraft but, even then, fuel cells and the associated hydrogen have major problems.
Posted by: sd | 14 February 2025 at 09:27 AM
"The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System are:
I not sure what is the "major problem" with fuel cells based on this list, though possible the costs are still too high in spite of the reduction achieved.
Hydrogen supply is another story. An economical supply of low carbon H2 still seem remote.
Posted by: Roger Brown | 14 February 2025 at 05:06 PM
"The main features of the 3rd Gen FC System are:
I not sure what is the "major problem" with fuel cells based on this list, though possible the costs are still too high in spite of the reduction achieved.
Hydrogen supply is another story. An economical supply of low carbon H2 still seem remote.
Posted by: Roger Brown | 14 February 2025 at 05:11 PM