The retrofitted trucks will be deployed with logistics companies under real-world conditions as part of Scania’s ‘Pilot Partner’ programme. According to the firm, the programme brings the company together with selected customers “to evaluate a wide range of sustainable transport technologies … under real operating conditions” – with hydrogen fuel cell technology one of several potential pathways being examined. The partners state they are primarily seeking insights into “technical performance, operational efficiency, and total cost of ownership”.
Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system is expected to stand out with its compact design and 300 kW output. Launched in 2025, the company declared not only suitable for passenger cars but also for commercial vehicles, trains, ships, and stationary applications. Later that same year, Toyota initiated collaborations for truck applications with, among others, Sinotruk and the VDL Group. This year, Toyota also joined as an equal partner in the fuel cell joint venture Cellcentric, established by Daimler Trucks and the Volvo Group. Additionally, Toyota is involved in the newly formed alliance for the commercialisation of heavy-duty H2 trucks in Germany, which plans to unveil its strategy next week at the IAA Transportation.
