Toyota introduces Gen 3 fuel cell system at 2025 ACT Expo

At the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Toyota Motor North America outlined its ongoing hydrogen-related initiatives, including new vehicle technologies, infrastructure investments, and partnerships. The company emphasized its plans to expand the use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in heavy-duty trucking operations and further invest in hydrogen infrastructure.

Jordan Choby, Group Vice President of Powertrain Engineering at Toyota, announced that the company will introduce hydrogen-powered Class 8 FCEV trucks to replace diesel vehicles currently serving the Toyota North America Parts Center California (NAPCC) in Ontario, California. In support of this initiative, Toyota will build a new hydrogen fueling station at the NAPCC site.

Toyota also introduced its third-generation fuel cell (Gen 3 FC) system in North America. This next-generation fuel cell technology is designed for use in multiple applications, including commercial and passenger vehicles. The Gen 3 FC system is expected to be 20 percent more powerful and 20 percent more efficient than its predecessor. In the context of heavy-duty truck powertrains, the system is designed to operate for more than 600,000 miles without requiring major service.

The new hydrogen trucks will be integrated into Toyota’s logistics fleet, servicing routes between the Port of Long Beach, the NAPCC, and San Diego. This change is part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its supply chain under its 2050 Challenge environmental goals.

To support fueling infrastructure, Toyota is partnering with Air Liquide and Iwatani. With Iwatani, Toyota will help develop a fueling station utilizing liquid hydrogen and a high-flow fueling system conforming to SAE J2601/5 standards. These systems allow for refueling times similar to diesel fuel, aiming to maintain operational efficiency for commercial users.

Toyota and Air Liquide also plan to supply liquid hydrogen to the NAPCC station from Air Liquide’s facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Toyota noted it will continue exploring hydrogen production methods, including extracting hydrogen from methane byproducts and advancing electrolysis technology in partnership with Chiyoda in Japan.

Toyota stated that these investments and initiatives are aimed at supporting long-term growth within the hydrogen transportation sector and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.