Toyota Motor Europe (TME) logistics network partners are converting heavy-duty vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell modules. The program is the next step toward 2040 carbon neutrality.
The Netherlands-based VDL Groep is converting heavy-goods vehicles to hydrogen power. As more of the fleet switches to this energy source, the increasing demand for hydrogen may drive additional investment and infrastructure on critical routes, helping the haulage sector decrease emissions.
Toyota’s fuel cell technology may be able to turbocharge the hydrogen supply chain.
Toyota’s approach answers several issues about non-diesel freight options. Lower weight permits greater payloads, and refueling time is equivalent to a typical engine. These qualities alone make the design a top road logistics industry cleanup solution. In the summer, Toyota will evaluate its logistical routes after completing the first hydrogen fuel cell truck.
VDL Special Vehicles envisions zero-emission medium and heavy-duty on- and off-road equipment. VDL Special Vehicles Commercial Director Hans Bekkers remarked, “We are extremely proud to work with Toyota on this innovative technology project, which will allow us to expand our activities in hydrogen drivelines.”
‘We are thrilled to start this collaboration with VDL Groep to further decarbonize the long-haul delivery of our components, vehicles, and service parts. Leon Van Der Merwe, TME Supply Chain Vice President, said, “Heavy-duty trucks will remain an important pillar in our multimodal strategy, and the introduction of zero-emission trucks, equipped with our Toyota fuel cell modules, will have a strong impact on the overall carbon reduction of our logistics.”