Toyota and VDL Groep launch hydrogen fuel cell truck for European logistics operations

Toyota and VDL Groep have launched their first hydrogen fuel cell demonstration truck, developed in a collaboration between the two businesses announced in May last year. Toyota aims to help decarbonise its European logistics operations by integrating its fuel cell technology into VDL’s heavy duty trucks.

This first demo truck will undergo road testing to identify opportunities for improvements ready for the next stage in the programme. VDL Groep is preparing four more fuel cell trucks, which will be used by Toyota’s logistic providers VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT and Yusen. These transportation companies will contribute to the project by using the hydrogen trucks on their daily routes in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The four routes each have at least one hydrogen refuelling station (HRS), together with back-up provisions if required.

The cooperation between all parties is expected to consolidate learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks on public roads and contribute to Europe’s ecological energy transition. The five-year trial is expected to stimulate the further development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe meeting AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) requirements and allow for more carbon-neutral hydrogen mobility solutions to emerge. 

The project complements Toyota’s initiatives to decarbonise logistics and supports the company’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040. Beyond the electrification of passenger cars, the Toyota is working with multiple partners to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and accessible zero-emission hydrogen economy. This includes partnering with companies from all mobility sectors and with different skills to test and provide reliable and efficient solutions.

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