Toyota North America together with Hino USA has agreed to jointly develop fuel cell electric trucks for the United States market. The partnership came from the growing need and interest in heavy-duty electric trucks. For the future chassis of the Fuel Cell Electric Truck (FCET), it will be utilizing Hino’s XL Series chassis and for its powerplant, it will be using Toyota’s fuel cell technology.
The venture is already working on an existing concept vehicle - a 25-ton FCET that was announced earlier in 2020. The first demonstration of the zero-emissions cargo hauler is set to happen within the first half of 2021. With both companies bringing innovative technology to the table the future of clean cargo-hauling could be in good hands. Fuel cells present a more versatile mode of locomotion compared to that of pure electric vehicles. Fuel cells can be easily swapped out at a station similar to that of how gasoline-powered cars refuel. This eliminates the need for long charging times and eases users into the world of electric vehicles.
A fuel cell powered version of the Hino XL Series is a win-win for both customers and the community. It will be quiet, smooth and powerful while emitting nothing but water.
Yokoo continues by stating that "Toyota's twenty-plus years of fuel cell technology combined with Hino's heavy-duty truck experience will create an innovative and capable product."
Glenn Ellis the Vice President of Customer Experience at Hino also chimes in by stating that “Hino shares a common focus with Toyota when it comes to durability, reliability, and innovation with the customer at the center of design which makes this collaboration a game-changer." Ellis further explains that "Hino shares a common focus with Toyota when it comes to durability, reliability, and innovation with the customer at the center of design which makes this collaboration a game-changer."
