Isuzu chooses Honda as Partner to Develop fuel cell-powered heavy-duty hydrogen trucks

Isuzu and Honda think that hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology will be efficient in achieving carbon neutrality in heavy-duty trucks, which is required to meet the demand for huge load capacity, long use for long-distance driving, and quick refilling.

Isuzu Motors and Honda Motors have announced a collaboration agreement to develop and supply fuel cell systems for heavy-duty trucks for Honda, which they want to launch in the market in 2027.

Isuzu and Honda think that hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology will be efficient in achieving carbon neutrality in heavy-duty trucks, which is required to meet the demand for huge load capacity, long use for long-distance driving, and quick refilling.

Since signing an agreement in January 2020 to conduct joint research on heavy-duty trucks powered by fuel cells (FC), the two companies have been working to lay the groundwork for basic technologies. Such as assuring fuel cell compatibility, heavy-duty truck development, and vehicle control technology development.

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The two firms intend to begin road testing of a prototype vehicle by the conclusion of the current fiscal year. The fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck developed by Isuzu and Honda has been produced and has been issued a Japanese license number plate for usage on public highways.

By fully using knowledge and information gathered through joint research, the two companies will continue to make progress in the development of products that fulfill the performance and conditions required for heavy-duty vehicles while also pleasing customers.

Moving forward, the two businesses will leverage each other's strengths to speed the development of clean, low-noise, low-vibration fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks. This will contribute to the move toward the use of clean energy by the whole industry, including logistics companies, through more proactive use of hydrogen energy, through which both companies will seek to reach the shared objective of realizing a carbon-neutral society.

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What do you mean by fuel cell-powered trucks?

A fuel cell truck is an electric vehicle that creates electricity using fuel cells driven by hydrogen stored in the truck's tanks. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen mix electrochemically to produce electricity, heat, and water.

Isuzu isn't the only company exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles; Volvo launched its first fuel-cell electric trucks last year. These zero-emission vehicles use hydrogen to create their own electricity onboard, making them suitable for longer journeys.