Isuzu Motors, Denso Corporation, Toyota, Hino Motors, and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) have together started foundational research on hydrogen engines for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, with the aim of further utilising internal combustion engines as one option to achieve carbon neutrality.

On the road to carbon neutrality, there are various powertrain options to meet customers’ demands, including HEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs, in accordance with the differences in energy conditions in different countries and diversified customer uses. Hydrogen engines are one such option.

The hydrogen-powered Corolla1 has participated in the Super Taikyu Series2 since May 2021, and hydrogen engine technology is evolving. In addition, efforts toward achieving a hydrogen society are further accelerating, such as the increase in the number of partners in producing, transporting, and using hydrogen.

Isuzu, Denso, Toyota, Hino, and CJPT believe that hydrogen engines are one solution to the issue of CO₂reduction in transportation and logistics by heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Together they will utilise the technologies and know-how each company has accumulated to study the potential of hydrogen engines in heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

The five companies intend to expand the options available for achieving carbon neutrality.