Japanese automaker Toyota and Swedish truckmaker Scania have formed a partnership to test hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport, with trials taking place across “real-world logistics operations”.

As part of the arrangement, Toyota will supply fuel cell systems for 40 heavy-duty vehicles under Scania's Pilot Partner programme.

The programme links Scania with selected customers to test sustainable transport technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, in actual operating conditions.

Scania CTO Sara Forsberg said: “This collaboration will give us valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport.”

The vehicles in the trial will use Toyota's third-generation fuel cell system, which delivers 300kW of power in a compact footprint for heavy-duty applications.

According to the statement, the trial is intended to assess technical performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership as fuel cell electric trucks are used in demanding transport scenarios.

Scania's first hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in the programme are scheduled to begin operating in the first quarter of 2027.

Toyota Motor executive vice president Hiroki Nakajima added: “By bringing Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system into Scania customers’ logistics operations, together we are taking an important step towards enabling hydrogen-powered mobility to play a larger role across Europe’s heavy-duty transport industry.”

Toyota is also involved in a separate pilot underway in Spain.

In July, Toyota Motor Europe, BMW Group, Bosch and Repsol began a six-month trial to establish whether conventional petrol vehicles can run solely on 100% renewable petrol.

About twenty vehicles are involved in that trial, including Toyota and Lexus cars provided by Toyota España as well as BMW fleet vehicles, all using Repsol's Nexa 95 renewable petrol.

Toyota has also expanded its involvement in fuel cell activities.

In the same month, Toyota Motor, Daimler Truck and Volvo Group signed a binding agreement under which Toyota will take an equal one-third stake in fuel cell joint venture Cellcentric.

After completion of the transaction, Toyota, Daimler Truck and Volvo Group will each hold a one-third share in the business.