Toyota Motor Corporation has announced the development of a new fuel cell system, its third-generation fuel cell system, as part of its continued efforts toward the realisation of a hydrogen society.

The all-new 3rd Gen FC System is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector with the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Additionally, the new system features significant improvements in performance, including fuel efficiency and a significant reduction in costs compared to the prior version. In addition to passenger vehicles, the 3rd Gen FC System will be expanded for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, and is planned for introduction in markets mainly in Japan, Europe, North America, and China from 2027. 

Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries. The company has been promoting various initiatives in the areas of "Create, Transport, Store, and Use" hydrogen in relation to its R&D activities. To further accelerate the use cases and adoption of FC technology to achieve a hydrogen society, the continuous evolution of FC technology is necessary, and this 3rd Gen FC system represents a significant step-change.

The main features of the new FC system are improved durability maintenance-free design. The system is said to allow 20% more cruising range through increased efficiency.

Toyota says the 3rd Gen FC System can be installed in a variety of commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and general-purpose applications, such as stationary generators, rail, and ships. For passenger vehicles, the improved fuel efficiency provides greater cruising range for further peace of mind. For heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the new FC system offers a level of durability comparable to diesel engines and high power. In addition, by designing the system to be more compact, it can be more easily integrated into various commercial vehicles.