After learning that Volvo Trucks are testing their hydrogen fuel cell trucks on public roads and aim to have them in series production ‘in the second half of this decade’, DAF’s parent company, PACCAR have gone one step further. The company has revealed that, though an expansion in their joint effort with Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (Toyota), they are planning initial customer deliveries planned for 2024 for fuel cell versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models featuring Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit.
This doesn’t mean that we will be having fuel cell DAF trucks up and running in Europe next year, but it seems that the technology will be in place to make this happen in the near future.
Fuel Cell Truck ‘Collab’
PACCAR and Toyota have collaborated on FCEV truck development for the past several years, including a successful pilot program which deployed ten Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks at the Port of Los Angeles. The pilot provided both Kenworth and Toyota with real-world feedback that further enhanced the performance and range of the vehicle. Designed for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Toyota’s heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit was recently awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota will begin assembly of the modules in the United States in late 2023.
John Rich, PACCAR chief technology officer, commented, “Having worked extensively with the Toyota team, we are confident that our combined efforts can deliver industry leading FCEV trucks with all of the quality, reliability and aftermarket support that Kenworth and Peterbilt customers depend upon. This partnership further expands PACCAR’s industry-leading lineup of zero emissions vehicles that enhance customers’ operational efficiency and reduce their environmental impact”
“We are excited to work with PACCAR to realize a future where Toyota’s industry leading hydrogen fuel cell technology can power heavy-duty trucks that will travel across highways throughout the U.S. with zero emissions,” said Christopher Yang, TMNA group vice president of Business Development. “This innovative technology enables us to provide our commercial customers with a viable carbon-neutral option to further their business, while also contributing to Toyota’s mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon from the environment.”
