Third-gen system offers improved fuel efficiency for passenger vehicles, better durability for heavy-duty commercial units
- Toyota reveals third-gen hydrogen fuel-cell technology
- Passenger vehicles get improved fuel efficiency and more range
- Heavy-duty commercial vehicles get durability comparable to diesel engines
- To be used in Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026
The system, which features improvements in performance, fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version, will be used in future Toyota FCEV passenger vehicles, and will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Initial markets for the technology are Japan, Europe, North America, and China, after 2026 at the earliest.
One of the hallmarks of the new system, according to Toyota, is its durability, reporting that it is up to two times that of the prior generation, with durability comparable to diesel engines but offering maintenance-free operation.
As to the improvement in fuel efficiency, the system provides 20% more cruising range than the second-gen technology. And the cost reduction has been realized through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.
And by designing the system to be more compact, Toyota notes it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles. In addition to being used in a variety of commercial vehicles and passenger cars, Toyota has plans for the 3rd Gen FC System to be put into general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships.
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