Toyota Develops New Fuel Cell System

TORONTO, February 19, 2025 – Toyota Motor Corporation announces that it has developed a new fuel cell (FC) system, its third-generation fuel cell system (3^rd Gen FC System), as part of its continued efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.

The all-new 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 after 2026 at the earliest.

The 3^rd Gen FC System will be unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, February 19 at the H2 & FC EXPO (International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo) in Tokyo, Japan.

Toyota views hydrogen as an important fuel in pursuit of carbon neutrality and is actively collaborating with partners across various industries. Toyota 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 3^rd Gen FC system represents a significant step-change.

Overview of 3^rd Gen FC System

In 2014, Toyota launched the MIRAI fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and has since sold approximately 28,000 units across more than 30 countries and territories. Additionally, since 2019, Toyota began supplying FC systems for use in other applications, such as buses, railroads, and stationary power generators, supplying more than 2,700 units to more than 100 customers globally.

In Japan, Toyota works with many partners, particularly in Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures, to implement these systems in the commercial sector and help create a hydrogen society. The new 3^rd Gen FC System was developed based on customer feedback and insights from proof-of-concepts and demonstration tests over the past several years.

The main features of the 3^rd Gen FC System follow:

1) Main features

• Improvement in durability, up to 2x (two times) that of the prior generation, achieving durability comparable to diesel engines and maintenance-free design.
• Improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.2x that of the prior generation, allowing for a 20% more cruising range.
• Significant cost reduction through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes.

2) Expansion of line-up

The 3^rd 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.

Toyota will continue efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society in collaboration with local governments and other companies, associations, and organizations.

About Toyota Canada Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota has sold over six million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 287 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability to the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive. TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax, and parts distribution centres in Clarington and Vancouver. Toyota also operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than eleven million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX and RX hybrid, as well as Lexus NX and NX hybrid. The company has sold more than 24 million electrified vehicles worldwide and is the number one seller of electrified vehicles in Canada.

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