- Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel cell system promises lower costs and more range.
- The company said the third-generation system offers diesel-like levels of durability.
Toyota sold a grand total of 1,778 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) globally last year. To make matters worse, last year’s performance was down a whopping 55.8% compared to 2023, so you’d think that the Japanese automaker’s foray into hydrogen propulsion would come to an end.
But no. For better or worse, Toyota is pushing ahead with the development of hydrogen powertrains, and it just revealed its third-generation fuel cell system as part of its “continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.”
According to the auto giant, the third-gen FC System is smaller, lighter, more dependable and more efficient than its predecessor. Toyota said the system is up to two times more durable than before with dependability comparable to diesel engines but with the added benefit of a maintenance-free design.
Fuel efficiency has also been improved, with Toyota claiming passenger vehicles fitted with the new system can drive 20% further than before. For reference, the Toyota Mirai FCEV has a manufacturer-estimated maximum driving range of 402 miles, if you can find a filling station. With the new fuel cell, it could theoretically drive up to 480 miles on a full tank.
Lastly, the company claims that the third-gen FC System is much cheaper to manufacture, thanks to innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes. That should translate into lower starting prices for vehicles and stationary equipment powered by hydrogen.
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It’s worth noting that despite the low sales of passenger FCEVs, Toyota has fitted its fuel cell system to stationary generators, train locomotives, big rigs and construction equipment. Despite the limited availability of refueling stations for the general public, hydrogen can be a suitable solution for job sites where airflow is limited and access to high-powered charging stations for EVs is impossible. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and equipment don’t emit any harmful gasses into the atmosphere, so they can be used in sensitive environments.
Toyota said its latest-generation hydrogen fuel cell system will be unveiled next week at the International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo in Tokyo, Japan. The first commercial applications are expected to be implemented in Japan, Europe, North America and China after 2026 at the earliest.
