Toyota Motor Europe has taken a step towards sustainable logistics with the introduction of fuel cell trucks in collaboration with VDL Groep.

This initiative marks a move towards zero tailpipe emissions in heavy-duty logistics vehicles.

The partnership has already seen the deployment of four additional fuel cell trucks, following an initial demonstration vehicle.

These trucks are now operational across key logistics routes in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Toyota is working with logistics providers Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics to integrate these zero-emission vehicles into the daily operations of Toyota Parts Centre Europe.

The Toyota Parts Centre Europe is a hub of activity, handling over 500,000 parts and accessories each day. The performance of the 40-tonne fuel cell trucks will be closely monitored here.

The company said, these trucks offer a comparable performance to diesel counterparts but produce no tailpipe emissions.

They are powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen, with a range of up to 400km on a single refuel under real-world conditions.

In addition to environmental benefits, the fuel cell trucks provide a smoother ride with their vibration-free electric motors, enhancing driving comfort and reducing community disturbance.

Toyota Motor Europe R&D vice president Thiebault Paquet said: “This initiative is in line with Toyota's goal to reach carbon neutrality in its logistics operations by 2040, but it also aims to contribute to growing the hydrogen economy. Heavy-duty fuel cell trucks can boost the demand for hydrogen, which is one of the key contributors along with the implementation of the EU's Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

"Together with our logistics providers, we aim to gather learnings from the daily operation of our first hydrogen-powered logistics fleet and further improve the vehicles and operational processes.”

Furthermore, this month, FAW Toyota has launched the new bZ5 battery-powered SUV in China.

This move is part of Toyota's strategy to expand its presence in the rapidly growing new energy vehicle market in China, offering a competitively priced option for consumers.