Toyota and IVECO collaborate on next-generation hydrogen trucks
Toyota and IVECO have announced a collaboration to develop next-generation hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks under EMPOWER, a European Union-funded Horizon Europe project focused on zero-emission road transport.
Under the agreement, Toyota will supply its fuel cell technology for IVECO’s new generation of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), while IVECO will oversee vehicle development, system integration and validation. The project builds on experience gained from IVECO’s first-generation hydrogen trucks deployed through the H2Haul programme.
The collaboration aims to improve the performance, efficiency and durability of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles, with testing scheduled to begin later in 2026 and on-road trials planned for 2027.
New fuel cell trucks target extended range and durability
The next-generation IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell will incorporate Toyota fuel cell systems delivering a combined output of 300 kW. According to the companies, the vehicle is designed to achieve a driving range exceeding 900 kilometres, alongside durability of more than 25,000 operating hours.
The new truck also features a reduced vehicle weight and a simplified powertrain architecture. Through changes to its energy management system, the design requires approximately half the battery capacity of IVECO’s previous-generation fuel cell trucks.
These improvements are intended to address operational requirements associated with long-distance freight transport, including vehicle range, efficiency and service life.
Toyota’s contribution draws on its third-generation fuel cell technology, while IVECO is responsible for integrating the system into the heavy-duty vehicle platform and conducting the necessary development and validation activities.
Testing programme to begin in late 2026
Validation and testing activities are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by on-road trials in the first half of 2027.
The EMPOWER project will assess the technology under real-world operating conditions, with the results intended to support further development of hydrogen-powered trucks for commercial freight applications.
Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer of Iveco Group, said the collaboration brings together fuel cell expertise and vehicle engineering to support the development of zero-emission heavy-duty transport.
Shinichi Yasui, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Europe, highlighted the operational requirements of high-mileage commercial vehicles, including range, vehicle availability and efficiency.
The companies intend to use the project as a platform for evaluating the technology’s potential for future industrial-scale deployment. However, neither company has announced a commercial production timetable or confirmed the introduction of the new trucks into regular fleet operations.
