Isuzu and Toyota have agreed to collaborate on the development of a next-generation light-duty fuel cell electric truck, with mass production planned to begin in 2027.
Isuzu ELF EV to Feature Toyota’s 3rd-Gen Fuel Cell System in New Partnership
The vehicle will be based on Isuzu‘s ELF EV battery electric truck and will incorporate Toyota‘s 3rd-generation fuel cell system. Isuzu said both companies will jointly develop the system to ensure compatibility.
The partnership is driven by the practical demands of light-duty trucks, which are primarily used for last-mile deliveries to supermarkets and convenience stores. Most of these vehicles are equipped with refrigeration or frozen storage capabilities and make multiple deliveries per day. Their long operating hours require these trucks to get quick energy replenishments to maintain operational efficiency.
This is where the fuel cell system comes into play. Hydrogen as a high-energy-density fuel offers multiple competitive advantages over a battery-electric system, including shorter charging times, better durability, and lower vibration and noise. A fuel cell system also emits no CO₂ while in use, contributing further to reduced environmental impact.
The ELF EV, on which the new vehicle will be based, was first launched in 2023 and designed using Isuzu‘s proprietary I-MACS product development platform. The adoption of Toyota‘s fuel cell system is expected to enhance its durability and extend its service life.
While looking good on paper, the reality of developing mass-produced fuel cell commercial vehicles is still far from ideal, with a high vehicle price point being one of the main challenges. To address this, Isuzu is working to reduce costs by optimising the truck’s body and reviewing the manufacturing processes. Toyota is undertaking similar efforts for its fuel cell design.
Both companies will also draw on experience gained from their joint development of the ERGA FCV next-gen fuel cell route bus, as well as findings from a fuel cell light-duty truck social implementation project run by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation. Insights from these projects will offer more information to improve control technologies and fuel cell durability.
Isuzu and Toyota are currently working with local governments and businesses in all regions to support a wider adoption of hydrogen mobility.
