Toyota Motor Corporation has announced today the development of its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System) from Toyota City, Japan, as part of its long-term strategy to advance a hydrogen society.
The new system is specifically engineered to meet the demands of the commercial sector by offering durability comparable to conventional diesel engines while delivering notable improvements in fuel efficiency and cost reduction relative to its predecessor.
The 3rd Gen FC System is designed for a broad range of applications. While initially developed for passenger vehicles, it will also be adapted for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Toyota plans to introduce the system in key markets including Japan, Europe, North America and China, with commercial launches anticipated to begin no earlier than 2026. The system is scheduled for its first public demonstration on Feb 19 at the H2 & FC Expo in Tokyo.
Toyota’s ongoing commitment to carbon neutrality underpins this latest innovation, as the company considers hydrogen a critical fuel for reducing emissions.
The development of the new system forms a central part of Toyota’s wider research and development initiatives, which span the production, transport, storage and utilisation of hydrogen.
These efforts have been informed by extensive customer feedback and insights gained from recent proof-of-concept and demonstration trials conducted in collaboration with partners in Tokyo and Fukushima.
The new fuel cell system boasts several technical enhancements. Durability has been increased to twice that of the previous generation, ensuring a maintenance-free design that matches the longevity of diesel engines.
In addition, fuel efficiency has been improved by a factor of 1.2, which translates into a 20% increase in cruising range. Innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes have also led to significant cost reductions, making the technology more accessible for commercial applications.
Since the launch of the Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle in 2014, which has seen approximately 28,000 units sold across more than 30 countries, Toyota has expanded its fuel cell offerings to include applications in buses, rail, and stationary power generators.
Over 2,700 FC systems have been supplied to more than 100 customers globally since 2019.
