Toyota is trialling its fuel cell expertise for logistics operations in Europe.

With VDL Group, the automaker has launched a hydrogen fuel cell demonstration truck, developed in a collaboration between the two businesses first announced in May 2022.

Toyota aims to help decarbonise its European logistics operations by integrating its fuel cell technology into VDL’s heavy duty trucks.

This first demo truck will undergo road testing to identify opportunities for improvements ready for the next stage in the programme. VDL Groep is preparing four more fuel cell trucks which will be used by Toyota’s logistic providers VOS Transport Group, CEVA, Groupe CAT and Yusen.

These transport companies will contribute to the project by using the hydrogen trucks on their daily routes in Belgium, France and Netherlands. The four routes each have at least one hydrogen refuelling station (HRS), together with back up provisions if required.

The cooperation between all parties is expected to consolidate learnings on how to deploy fuel cell trucks on public roads.

The five year trial is expected to stimulate the further development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure across Europe meeting AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) requirements and allow for more hydrogen mobility ideas to emerge.