Toyota has started taking concrete steps in zero-emission transportation by incorporating hydrogen fuel cell heavy commercial vehicles into its logistics operations in Europe. In this context, the company has partnered with VDL Groep, based in the Netherlands, to adapt Toyota’s hydrogen technology to trucks.
Toyota has put its hydrogen trucks into operation
The first routes where hydrogen trucks were put into operation were Diest in Belgium, Lille in France, Cologne in Germany, and Rotterdam and Weesp in the Netherlands. A total of four new fuel cell vehicles were added to these regions. Toyota is working with major logistics providers such as Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics, which carry out supply operations across Europe, on this project.
The fuel cell trucks provide regular transportation to the Toyota European Parts Center, where more than 500 thousand parts and accessories are processed every day. Thanks to these operations, the performance of hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles in daily logistics activities is continuously monitored and analyzed.
The 40-ton fuel cell trucks used have similar carrying capacity and performance to their diesel counterparts. However, their engines run on electricity obtained from the combination of hydrogen and oxygen. This eliminates carbon emissions from the exhaust.
The vehicles, which can provide a range of approximately 400 kilometers on a single charge, not only protect the environment; they also increase driver comfort and reduce noise pollution in the city by providing low-vibration driving thanks to their electric motor structure.
Toyota’s initiative is being implemented as part of the company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral in all logistics operations by 2040. What do you think about this? You can share your views with us in the comments section below.
