Japanese alliance is working on hydrogen engines for heavy-duty trucks

The idea of developing hydrogen engines for heavy-duty trucks is getting increasingly popular. Not only in Europe, apparently, as a very relevant Japanese company alliance is laying foundations for research and development of hydrogen-powered engines. Indeed, Denso, Isuzu, Toyota Motor Corporation, Hino and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) have started planning and foundational research on hydrogen engines for heavy-duty commercial vehicles with the aim of further utilizing internal combustion engines as one option to achieve carbon neutrality.

Hydrogen engines for trucks: the technology is evolving

The main concept is that hydrogen engine technology is evolving. At the same time, efforts toward achieving a hydrogen society are further accelerating, such as the increase in the number of partners in producing, transporting, and using hydrogen. Only a few days ago, Iveco Group CEO Gerrit Marx admitted that FPT Industrial, part of the Iveco Group, is also considering such option.

According to the Japanese companies, CO₂ reduction in transportation and logistics by heavy-duty commercial vehicles, an important piece of infrastructure that supports people’s lives, is a social issue that needs to be addressed together with partners who share a common vision toward achieving a carbon neutral society. Isuzu, Denso, Toyota, Hino, and CJPT believe that hydrogen engines are one solution to this issue, and will utilize the technologies and know-how each company has accumulated to study the potential of hydrogen engines in heavy-duty commercial vehicles.