By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: Toyota has used IAA Transportation 2026 to place the third-generation Toyota fuel cell system in two heavy-duty truck programmes, supplying third-generation fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme and the fuel cell systems for IVECO’s S-eWay Fuel Cell.
Key engineering takeaway: Toyota rates the system at 300 kW and says the third generation doubles both output and durability against the previous one, with 20 per cent better fuel efficiency. Toyota says the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell is designed for more than 25,000 operating hours and a driving range beyond 900 km.
Why it matters: Toyota says the third-generation system brings fuel cell trucks closer to the performance and operating expectations of diesel fleets, at significantly lower cost than the previous generation. The first Scania trucks fitted with the Toyota fuel cell system are expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2027, generating real-world insights into performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership.
- Toyota partners with Scania to supply its third generation fuel cell technology for use in 40 heavy-duty vehicles to be deployed in real-world operations
- Toyota partners with IVECO, integrating its technology to new generation fuel cell trucks
- Toyota commits to strengthening hydrogen ecosystems combining infrastructure development and technology
- The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal shareholder
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has presented the next stage of its hydrogen strategy at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, today, showcasing new advances in fuel cell technology and partnerships with industry leaders to accelerate deployment in heavy-duty transport.
Hydrogen is a pillar of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality. It has particular advantages where long range, high utilisation, fast refuelling, payload and operational flexibility are critical – especially in heavy-duty transport, where vehicles run demanding routes with limited downtime.
What Is The Third-Generation Toyota Fuel Cell System?
Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system has been developed specifically for the demands of commercial applications. Compared with the previous generation system, it delivers twice the output, twice the durability, 20 per cent better fuel efficiency and significantly lower cost, bringing fuel cell trucks closer to the performance and operating expectations of diesel fleets while producing zero harmful tailpipe emissions.
Scania And IVECO Take The 300 kW System
With Scania, Toyota will supply third-generation fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme. Equipped with Toyota’s latest 300kW fuel cell system in a highly compact design for heavy-duty applications and other uses, the first trucks are expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2027, generating real-world insights into performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership for demanding long-distance and high-use transport.
Toyota is also working with IVECO through EMPOWER, the EU-funded Horizon Europe project for zero-emission heavy-duty transport. Toyota will provide the fuel cell system for IVECO’s new generation fuel cell electric vehicles, while IVECO leads vehicle development, integration and validation. Powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300kW, the IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell is designed for a driving range beyond 560 miles (900km) and durability of more than 25,000 operating hours. Validation will commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with on-road trials planned for the first half of 2027.
Hydrogen In Motorsport And The Hilux Fuel Cell
Toyota continues to test hydrogen technologies in demanding environments. Since 2017, it has been using motorsport to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. Toyota will take its hydrogen innovation in motorsport a step further in 2027 when Toyota Gazoo Racing plans to enter a fuel cell Hilux in the Dakar Rally’s Future Mission 1000 category. In 2028, Toyota is also set to launch the Hilux Fuel Cell, targeting a driving range of more than 248 miles (400km) and a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes.
Infrastructure And The Cellcentric Shareholding
Toyota recognises that vehicles alone will not be enough to scale hydrogen mobility. Infrastructure, hydrogen supply, customer demand and policy frameworks must develop together, creating local hydrogen ecosystems that can gradually connect into broader networks. In Europe, initiatives in Germany and the Netherlands show how vehicle deployment and refuelling infrastructure can progress together, supported by frameworks such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.
Shinichi Yasui, Executive Vice President, R&D, Toyota Motor Europe, said: “Hydrogen can play an important role in sustainable mobility where energy resilience and demanding operational needs are critical. Toyota is not only developing fuel cell technology and vehicles, we are also committed to supporting the infrastructure needed to fuel them. By advancing our fuel cell technology and working with partners across the value chain, Toyota aims to help build the ecosystems needed to bring hydrogen mobility closer to wider deployment.”
Toyota’s announcements at IAA follow earlier news in July this year that The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck AG, cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join cellcentric as an equal partner and shareholder in the venture. Through the collaboration, the parties intend to strengthen cellcentric’s position as a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Toyota fuel cell system?
The Toyota fuel cell system is a hydrogen fuel cell stack and its supporting balance of plant, packaged as a module that converts hydrogen and air into electricity to drive an electric motor, with water as the only tailpipe output. The third-generation version has been developed specifically for commercial vehicles and is rated by Toyota at 300 kW.
How much power does the Toyota fuel cell system produce?
Toyota quotes 300 kW. Scania’s trucks use what Toyota describes as its latest 300 kW fuel cell system in a highly compact design, while IVECO’s S-eWay Fuel Cell is described as being powered by Toyota fuel cell systems with a total output of 300 kW.
How long does Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system last?
Toyota says the third generation delivers twice the durability of the previous system. For the IVECO application, the release quotes durability of more than 25,000 operating hours.
Which trucks will use the Toyota fuel cell system?
Forty heavy-duty vehicles in Scania’s Pilot Partner programme, with the first trucks expected to start operating in the first quarter of 2027, and IVECO’s S-eWay Fuel Cell, which begins validation in the fourth quarter of 2026 ahead of on-road trials in the first half of 2027.
What is the difference between a fuel cell truck and a hydrogen combustion truck?
A fuel cell truck uses hydrogen to generate electricity and drives the wheels with an electric motor, so there is no combustion and no tailpipe NOx. A hydrogen combustion truck burns hydrogen in a modified internal combustion engine, which is cheaper to adapt from a diesel base but still produces NOx. Toyota says it has been using motorsport since 2017 to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines.
Further Reading
- Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell System
- Cellcentric Launches BZA375 375 kW Fuel Cell System
- EKPO NM20 Fuel Cell Stack Enters Testing In 40-Tonne Truck
- Eight Companies Form Hydrogen Truck Consortium For Germany
For more hydrogen news, click here.
