Decarbonising our logistics activities in Europe

Converting conventional heavy-duty trucks to zero-emission carriers using Toyota fuel cell modules
09/05/2023
We have started a project whereby some of our logistic partner trucks in Europe are to be converted by VDL Groep to zero-emission carriers using Toyota fuel cell modules. Over time it will allow us to progressively decarbonise the long-haul transportation of our components, vehicles and service parts.

Hydrogen powered logistics

We are taking another important step towards our goal of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2040. Through a cooperation with the VDL Groep from the Netherlands, we will convert heavy-duty trucks in our logistic fleet to zero-emission carriers. VDL Groep will integrate Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell modules and build the first fuel cell truck by the summer of 2023. More vehicles will be converted  and evaluated  on TME logistics routes in the autumn of 2023. The  consolidated learnings will provide insights on how best to deploy fuel cell trucks, and  support the  company’s long-term vision of decarbonising logistics.

The multiple benefits of hydrogen

We see significant potential in using hydrogen trucks to decarbonise our logistic routes. Not only will hydrogen powered trucks reduce emissions to zero, but choosing a hydrogen fuel cell solution over battery electric trucks, allows the trucks to carry a heavier payload thanks to the lower mass of hydrogen systems. This can keep the number of trips necessary to a minimum, and in addition, the fast refuelling of hydrogen – a hydrogen truck can be refuelled as quickly as a diesel truck – is essential for busy schedules of logistics transportation.

The vital role of fuel cell trucks

Fuel cell trucks have a key role in the growth of the wider European hydrogen ecosystem and zero emissions freight transport. Heavy-duty vehicles also increase the supply and demand for hydrogen, which helps stimulate the development of a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure. And in turn, an extended hydrogen network  also allows other new mobility applications to emerge and grow. We already cooperate with a number of partners integrating our hydrogen fuel cell technology in light commercial vehicles, trucks, boats, trains, buses and generators, supporting the wider hydrogen ecosystem development.
“We are excited to begin this project with VDL Groep, as it will allow us to further decarbonise the long-haul transport of our components, vehicles and service parts. Heavy-duty trucks will remain an important pillar within our multimodal strategy, and the introduction of zero-emission trucks, equipped with our Toyota fuel cell modules, will have a strong impact on the overall carbon reduction of our logistics.”
Leon Van Der Merwe, VP Supply Chain Toyota Motor Europe

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