Isuzu Motors, Denso, Toyota Motor, Hino Motors and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) said they had started planning and foundational research on hydrogen engines for heavy duty commercial vehicles with the aim of “further using internal combustion engines (ICEs) as one option to achieve carbon neutrality”.
“On the road to carbon neutrality, there are various powertrain options to meet customers’ demands, including HEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs, in accordance with the differences in energy conditions in different countries and diversified customer uses,” the partners said in a statement.
“Hydrogen engines are one such option. The hydrogen-powered [Toyota] Corolla has participated in the Super Taikyu Series [motorsport] since May 2021, and hydrogen engine technology is evolving. In addition, efforts toward achieving a hydrogen society are further accelerating, such as the increase in the number of partners in producing, transporting, and using hydrogen.”
The partners’ statement added: “CO2 reduction in transportation and logistics by heavy duty commercial vehicles, an important piece of infrastructure, is a social issue that needs to be addressed together with partners who share a common vision toward achieving a carbon neutral society. [We] believe hydrogen engines are one solution to this issue, and will utilise the technology and know how each company has accumulated to study the potential of hydrogen engines in heavy commercial vehicles.”