Toyota and Hino show us the future of tractor trailers

MANILA: A study back in 2018 has shown that tractor trailers, six- to 10-wheeler trucks that have a trailer hitched onto them, are the biggest contributors of dangerous black tailpipe emissions that are not only harmful to people but can also devastate the environment.

Toyota and Hino are partnering to change all that by agreeing to jointly develop a Class 8 fuel cell electric truck. Units categorized in Class 8 are heavy trucks with gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 33,000 pounds and typically have three or more axles.

"A fuel cell powered version of the Hino XL Series is a win-win for both customers and the community. It will be quiet, smooth and powerful while emitting nothing but water. Toyota's 20-plus years of fuel cell technology combined with Hino's heavy-duty truck experience will create an innovative and capable product," said Toyota Research and Development Senior Executive Engineer Tak Yokoo.

Hino will bring in its newly developed XL Series chassis while Toyota will provide it proven fuel cell technology as part of a collaboration to make a 25-ton fuel cell electric truck (FCET) that started early this year. The first demo unit is expected to be shown in the first half of 2021.

"Expanding upon our proud heritage of the Hino powertrain, Toyota Fuel Cell Technology offers our customers a commercially viable, extended range, zero emissions vehicle in the near term. Hino shares a common focus with Toyota when it comes to durability, reliability, and innovation with the customer," said Hino Trucks Senior Vice President for Customer Experience Glenn Ellis

Photo from Toyota

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