Isuzu, Honda developing fuel-cell powered heavy duty trucks

Honda was one of the earliest manufacturers who adopted fuel cell technology to its production vehicles. In 2016, they came up with the Clarity Fuel Cell that returned impressive fuel economy for a zero-emissions vehicle.

Now, the Japanese manufacturer is using its experience in developing fuel cell technology to make zero-emissions heavy-duty trucks. Isuzu Motors Limited and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that they have signed a partnership agreement, where the latter will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu heavy-duty trucks.

Both manufacturers have earlier signed an agreement in 2020 to conduct joint research on heavy-duty trucks utilizing fuel cells (FC) as the powertrain, and have been working toward the establishment of a foundation for basic technologies such as ensuring the compatibility of fuel cells and heavy-duty trucks and the development of vehicle control technologies.

As we know, heavy-duty trucks are required to address large load capacity, long-time use, long-distance driving, and the need for quick refueling. Honda and Isuzu believe that fuel cell technology will be the way to go.

The two companies are currently planning to start demonstration testing of a prototype truck on public roads before the end of the current fiscal year. If the schedule goes as planned, we'll see the production version of the Isuzu-Honda heavy-duty fuel cell truck by 2027.