Toyota is using four hydrogen fuel cell trucks to distribute spare parts from its sprawling European warehouse complex at Diest in Belgium. Running at 40 tonnes, the 4x2 tractor units are based on DAF CFs equipped with Toyota’s own fuel cell modules and converted to fuel cell operation by Netherlands-based VDL Groep.
The initiative forms part of Toyota’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality across Europe by 2040.
“These trucks are the future of our logistics,” insists Toyota Motor Europe (TME) executive vice president, Shinichi Yasui. “Our common enemy is CO2, and we need to reduce it as soon as possible.”
Since May, the 3.8m-wheelbase day-cab trucks have covered approximately 80,000km on four routes across three countries connecting Diest with Cologne in Germany, Lille in France and Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Supported by eight refuelling stations, they have consumed around 7kg of hydrogen per 100km apiece, saving over 80,000kg of CO2 when compared with a diesel truck on the same type of work says Toyota. The tractor units are proving to be reliable, it reports.
Weighing 11 tonnes, each unit has seven hydrogen tanks at a pressure of 350 bar mounted behind the cab, with the tank tower incorporating a cooling system. The tanks can accommodate up to 39kg of hydrogen.
A 360kW/480hp electric motor delivers the power, and the system incorporates a 210kWh battery. It can be used to get the vehicle back to base should hydrogen not be available, with a 100km range.
Range between refuelling stops is more than 400km, says Toyota, with the trucks regularly running at maximum gross weight.
Full story Toyota pressing ahead with hydrogen fuel cell plans | Insight & policy
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