After teasing the concept late last year, Toyota Motor North America has announced plans to operate a Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck in real-world use in Southern California this summer, dubbing the effort "Project Portal."

The truck proof of concept will seek to determine the feasibility of fuel cell technology for heavy-duty trucks, specifically in drayage operations. The study is part of the Port of Los Angeles’s Clean Air Action Plan, which is aimed at reducing emissions in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

“By bringing this heavy-duty, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell proof-of-concept truck to the Port, Toyota has planted a flag that we hope many others will follow,” said Mary D. Nichols, chair, California Air Resources Board. “CARB will be following the progress of this feasibility study with interest, as we look to develop the best mix of regulations and incentives to rapidly expand the market for the cleanest, most efficient big trucks to meet the need for dramatic change in the freight sector.”

Project Portal is a fully functioning, heavy-duty truck with the power and torque capacity to conduct port drayage operations while producing only water vapor as emissions.

The truck will generate more than 670 horsepower and 1,325 lb.-ft. of torque from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12-kilowatt-hour battery. The concept vehicle will have a gross combined weight capacity of 80,000 pounds and an estimated range of more than 200 miles per fill in normal drayage operation.

“Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles play a role in California’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, improve air quality, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Janea A.Scott, commissioner, California Energy Commission. “The Commission applauds Toyota for putting this cutting edge technology to use in a heavy-duty freight proof of concept. This demo will show how fuel cells can help support the heavy-duty sector’s efforts to increase efficiency, transition to zero-emission technologies, and increase competitiveness.”