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Toyota’s Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell truck Prioritizes hybrid Approach Over Full Electrification – toyota Motor Corporation has opted for a hybrid diesel-electric configuration for its recently unveiled heavy-duty fuel cell truck, despite having the capacity to fully electrify the vehicle. The decision, revealed by industry sources, highlights a pragmatic approach to decarbonizing long-haul transportation.

The truck, designed for port operations and potentially long-distance freight, weighs 11,747 kg (approximately 25,898 lbs) including onboard fluids. Analysis indicates that replacing the existing engine with batteries would have allowed for the installation of up to 11.5 tons (11,500 kg) of battery capacity without exceeding the vehicle’s weight limit. This potential battery weight could have yielded approximately 2,300 kWh of stored energy, assuming an energy density of 180-200 Wh/kg.

The truck’s electric motors, under maximum load, draw 2.3-2.4 MW of electrical power. A 2.3 mwh battery pack would theoretically provide sufficient power for 2-3 operational cycles, even considering the truck’s pantograph system for overhead line charging. The pantograph allows for high-power charging during loading and unloading, potentially eliminating the need for dedicated charging time. Regenerative braking further enhances energy efficiency.

Despite this feasibility, Toyota engineers have chosen to equip the truck with a Diesel V18 engine alongside the fuel cell and pantograph system. This configuration offers a “prepared for pure electric propulsion” capability, with the diesel engine providing a reliable backup and enabling a flexible, hybrid operation. The advanced pantograph system allows for autonomous control of both diesel and electric power sources. This approach is seen as a more cautious step towards full electrification, acknowledging current infrastructure limitations and operational demands.