October 12th, 2020

With the effects of air pollution literally hanging over our cities, interest in heavy-duty electric trucks has skyrocketed. Now Hino and Toyota are joining forces to develop a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck (FCET). The companies will leverage the newly developed Hino XL Series chassis with Toyota’s proven fuel cell technology to deliver exceptional capability without harmful emissions. This collaboration, dubbed Project Z for Zero-Emissions, expands upon the existing effort to develop a 25-ton FCET for the Japanese market announced earlier this year.

The two major electric semi trucks in the market are both battery-electric trucks. While both have their advantages, batteries are generally much heavier than fuel cells for the same power output. But batteries are much more efficient with up to 90% of power generated making it to the drive wheels. In this case, Hino and Toyota have put their focus on fuel cells.

“A fuel cell powered version of the Hino XL Series is a win-win for both customers and the community. It will be quiet, smooth and powerful while emitting nothing but water,” said Tak Yokoo, Senior Executive Engineer, Toyota Research and Development. “Toyota’s twenty plus years of fuel cell technology combined with Hino’s heavy-duty truck experience will create an innovative and capable product.”

“Expanding upon our proud heritage of the Hino powertrain, Toyota Fuel Cell Technology offers our customers a commercially viable, extended range, zero emissions vehicle in the near term,” said Glenn Ellis, Hino’s Senior Vice President – Customer Experience. “Hino shares a common focus with Toyota when it comes to durability, reliability, and innovation with the customer at the center of design which makes this collaboration a game changer.”

With more electric semi trucks entering the market, it gives our customers more choices when selecting an environmentally-friendly vehicle. 

While you wait, see all the Hino vehicles we have available today.

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