Related: Nikola Chooses Hydrogen Fuel Cell to Power Emissions-Free Truck
Toyota Eyeing Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Technology
Toyota is exploring using hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty vehicles to create a zero emissions solution for the commercial trucking industry.

Image courtesy of Toyota

Image courtesy of Toyota
Toyota is exploring using hydrogen fuel-cell technology in heavy-duty vehicles to create a zero-emissions solution for the commercial trucking industry.
The company announced that it will conduct a study of a heavy-duty truck sized fuel cell vehicle and the technology’s scalability. But it provided no additional details of its plan, saying only that more details would be announced in the coming months.
Toyota currently offers a commercially available hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with the Toyota Mirai. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen to create a chemical reaction and are emissions-free, producing only water as a byproduct of the reaction.
Toyota is not the first company to explore hydrogen fuel cell use in heavy-duty trucks. Notably, startup Nikola Motor Company announced that its forthcoming Nikola One Class 8 Truck would be powered by the technology. Nikola has already taken reservations for the truck and is set to unveil the model in December.
Nikola company claims an operating range of 800 to 1,200 miles on a single fill up. Part of Nikola’s strategy involves building out a network of over 50 hydrogen stations for customers by 2020.
More Fuel Smarts

Fleet Costs Shape ACT Expo 2027 Agenda
With diesel prices high and operating expenses under pressure, ACT Expo's 2027 agenda emphasizes fuel efficiency, AI, safety and the return on fleet technology investments.
Read More →
How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time
Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.
Read More →
Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up
With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.
Read More →
FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use
The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.
Read More →
Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short
Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.
Read More →Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking [Podcast]
Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this episode of the HDT Talks Trucking podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.
Read More →How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time
What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.
Read More →
Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots
Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook
ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.
Read More →
