Iveco and Toyota are developing new fuel cell tractor-trailers
Image: Iveco
Iveco and Toyota are working on the EU-funded Empower project to develop the next generation of hydrogen-powered fuel cell tractor units for heavy road freight transport. Funded under Horizon Europe, this project aims to advance emission-free heavy transportation solutions. The focus is on fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for heavy road freight use.
Toyota supplies the fuel cell system for Iveco’s new generation of FCEV vehicles. Toyota contributes its fuel cell technology, while Iveco is responsible for the overall vehicle development as well as integration and validation. Both companies aim to combine their respective expertise for real-world deployment and validation.
The new vehicles are expected to offer improvements in key performance metrics compared to the first-generation fuel cell trucks from the H2Haul project. The operational experience gained from this program will be incorporated into the new generation, with the goal of achieving higher maturity levels along with improved efficiency and scalability.
Over 900 Kilometers of Range
The Iveco S-eWay fuel-cell tractor is equipped with Toyota fuel-cell systems delivering a total power output of 300 kW. The range is expected to exceed 900 kilometers, while the service life is set to surpass 25,000 operating hours. At the same time, vehicle weight and architecture are intended to be reduced or simplified through more efficient energy management. Only half the battery capacity of the previous generation is required.
These improvements are designed to bring fuel-cell technology closer to meeting the demands for widespread commercial use in the transportation sector, with cost-effectiveness, operational reliability, and longevity being key considerations. The Toyota technology used was specifically developed for high-demand applications in commercial vehicles, aiming to provide greater reliability, improved efficiency, and a longer service life.
Validation and testing activities are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Road tests on public roads are planned for the first half of 2027. The insights gained will inform the development of commercially viable hydrogen-powered solutions for long-distance and heavy freight transportation, serving as a pilot platform for future industrial scaling.
Iveco is also participating in the Empower project with a battery-electric demo vehicle. The company adopts a multi-energy approach, using hydrogen fuel cell technology, battery-electric drives, and solutions based on renewable fuels to address various transportation needs. “By employing the most suitable drive technology for each application, Iveco is pursuing a pragmatic and effective path toward zero-emission road freight transport,” the statement reads.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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