Toyota and VDL Groep launch hydrogen fuel cell truck for European logistics

By integrating Toyota’s fuel cell technology into VDL heavy-duty trucks

Brussels, Belgium-Toyota Motor Europe., and VDL Groep., announced  their first fuel cell demo truck launched. By integrating Toyota’s fuel cell technology into VDL heavy-duty trucks, Toyota aims to decarbonise its logistic operations in Europe.

Initial demo truck, the project's next steps will be tested on the road and any improvements will be evaluated. Four more fuel cell vehicles are being prepared by VDL Groep and will be used by Toyota's logistics partners VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT, and Yusen. By utilizing the hydrogen trucks on their regular logistics routes through Belgium (Antwerp), France (Lille), Germany (Cologne), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam), these transportation companies will significantly contribute to the initiative. Each of the four routes has a hydrogen refueling station (HRS), as well as backup options.

The collaboration between all parties is anticipated to integrate the learned regarding the use of fuel cell trucks on public highways and advance Europe's transition to ecological energy. The five-year trial is anticipated to encourage the ongoing development of a viable hydrogen infrastructure throughout Europe that complies with AFIR standards and enable the emergence of more carbon-neutral hydrogen transportation alternatives.

Toyota's efforts to decarbonize logistics are being complemented by this project, which also supports their long-term objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Beyond the electrification of personal transportation, the company places a high importance on working with several partners to hasten the transition to a viable and widely accessible hydrogen economy. As a result, it is collaborating with businesses from a variety of industries and skill sets in order to test and offer dependable and effective solutions.