Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell System for Commercial and Passenger Use

Toyota City, Japan- Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota)., has unveiled its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System) as part of its commitment to advancing a hydrogen-based society. This latest fuel cell system is designed to meet the demanding needs of the commercial sector, offering durability comparable to conventional diesel engines while delivering significant improvements in performance, fuel efficiency, and cost reduction compared to previous versions.

The 3rd Gen FC System is not limited to passenger vehicles—it will also be deployed in heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is set for introduction in key markets, including Japan, Europe, North America, and China, starting as early as 2026. Toyota will present this new system for the first time at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, February 19.

Recognizing hydrogen as a crucial component in achieving carbon neutrality, Toyota actively collaborates with partners across multiple industries. The company is driving various initiatives across the hydrogen value chain—including production, transportation, storage, and usage—through its R&D efforts. The continuous evolution of fuel cell technology is essential for expanding hydrogen applications, and the 3rd Gen FC System marks a major advancement in this direction.

Since the launch of the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2014, Toyota has sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories. In 2019, the company also began supplying fuel cell systems for broader applications, including buses, rail transport, and stationary power generation, delivering over 2,700 units to more than 100 global customers.

In Japan, Toyota collaborates with numerous partners—especially in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures—to implement fuel cell systems in commercial sectors and accelerate the realization of a hydrogen society. The development of the 3rd Gen FC System was guided by customer feedback and insights gained from proof-of-concept trials and demonstration projects over recent years.

The 3rd Gen FC System offers twice the durability of the previous generation, matching diesel engine longevity with a maintenance-free design. It also improves fuel efficiency by 1.2 times, extending cruising range by 20%, while significant cost reductions have been achieved through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes. Additionally, the system's lineup will be expanded to support a wider range of applications.

The 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range for further peace of mind. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.