The decarbonisation of Toyota’s operations continues with the launch of heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell trucks on the company’s European logistics routes.
The vehicles, built by VDL Groep and equipped with Toyota fuel cell modules, are being used to transport parts and accessories from Toyota’s European Parts Centre in Diest, Belgium – including items that will ultimately be shipped to the UK.
Toyota has joined forces with Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAR and Yusen Logistics to operate the trucks and evaluate their performance. The Diest operation currently process more than half a million parts and accessories every day.
The 40-tonne fuel cell truck’s performance is similar to that of a diesel vehicle, but with zero tailpipe emissions – its motor is powered by electricity generated by hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell. On a single tank of hydrogen, it can cover up to 250 miles in real-world driving conditions.
