Isuzu and Toyota to develop hydrogen fuel cell bus

Tokyo, Japan- Isuzu Motors Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation have announced a joint agreement to develop next-generation fuel cell (FC) route buses, with plans to begin production in fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027). Manufacturing will take place at the Utsunomiya Plant in Tochigi Prefecture, operated by J-Bus, Ltd.—a joint venture between Isuzu and Hino Motors.

The new FC bus will be built on a flat-floor battery electric platform developed by Isuzu and produced by J-Bus, which was introduced in fiscal year 2024. This platform will be combined with Toyota’s advanced fuel cell system. By standardizing key components from both battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, the collaboration aims to reduce production costs and accelerate the transition to zero-emission public transport.

This initiative reflects Isuzu’s strategy to diversify carbon-neutral transport solutions beyond battery electric vehicles, and Toyota’s broader hydrogen vision, which includes efforts in hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization.

The two companies will also collaborate with local governments and businesses particularly in regions designated by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as Priority Areas for Fuel Cell Vehicle Deployment to promote the widespread adoption of fuel cell buses and support long-term CO₂ emission reductions.

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