Toyota and Iveco collaborating on hydrogen HGV technology

Toyota and Iveco have announced a collaboration which will see Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology included in new HGVs.

The collaboration, which is happening under the EU-funded Empower project, will see Toyota’s fuel cell system integrated in Iveco’s S-eWay Fuel Cell truck, bringing a 407PS output and a range of more than 900km.

Compared with Iveco’s first-generation hydrogen trucks, the new vehicle is said to offer enhanced durability, to more than 25,000 operating hours, along with reduced vehicle weight and a simplified architecture, requiring half the battery capacity of the previous model.

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These improvements are claimed to bring fuel cell technology closer to the operational, economic and durability requirements of large-scale commercial transport.

Validation and testing of the technology is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with on-road trials due to start in the first half of 2027. These tests are intended to serve as a pilot programme for a future industrial scale-up.

‘Strong potential’ in hydrogen fuel cell technology

Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president of R&D at Toyota Motor Europe, said: “The transition to zero-emission freight requires technologies that can meet the realities of commercial transport.

“For high-mileage, heavy-duty operations, hydrogen fuel cell technology offers strong potential by combining range, uptime and efficiency.

“By working together with Iveco, we aim to demonstrate how Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system can help customers move towards zero-tailpipe emission logistics without compromising operational needs.”

Marco Liccardo, chief technology and digital officer at Iveco Group, said: “Hydrogen is a key enabler of the future energy and mobility ecosystem. By joining forces with Toyota through Empower, we are investing in a long-term vision for heavy-duty transport, one that combines sustainability, energy resilience and operational performance.

“Through Empower, we are bringing together leading fuel cell expertise and advanced vehicle engineering to help unlock the full potential of hydrogen and drive the evolution of zero-emission heavy-duty transport.

“Together, we aim to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission solutions and contribute to redefining how goods move in the decades ahead.”

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Sean joined Fleet News (and sister title Automotive Management) in 2026 as content editor.

He has been a journalist reporting on the fleet industry since 2017. Since then, he has attended and reported on dozens of events held by organisations such as the SMMT, AFP, BVRLA, and National Highways, interviewed senior figures from car manufacturers, industry bodies and automotive suppliers, and reviewed hundreds of new cars and vans.

His continuing goal is to explain the key issues of the day for decision-makers and help to give them a better understanding of their industry.

Sean graduated with an MA in Journalism from Brunel University of London and began his writing career as a local newspaper reporter.

He is a previous winner of the Rising Star prize at the Newspress Awards, which recognise achievement in motoring journalism.