A major global push into hydrogen truck technology is gaining momentum, with Toyota set to join Daimler Truck and Volvo Group in a joint fuel-cell venture to scale zero-emission solutions for heavy transport.
The three manufacturers have signed a non-binding agreement to collaborate through cellcentric, with plans for Toyota to become an equal shareholder alongside Daimler Truck and Volvo.
The move signals a growing trend towards industry collaboration as manufacturers seek to overcome the technical and commercial challenges of decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles.
What does the hydrogen truck technology partnership involve?
The expanded partnership will focus on developing, producing and commercialising fuel cell systems for heavy-duty applications, including on-road and off-road transport.
Toyota is expected to contribute its expertise in fuel cell development and manufacturing, built over more than three decades in passenger vehicle applications.
Combined with Daimler Truck and Volvo’s commercial vehicle engineering capabilities, the venture aims to strengthen its position as a leading supplier of fuel cell systems.
The collaboration will also extend to developing fuel cell unit cells, the core components of hydrogen power systems.
Why is hydrogen truck technology gaining momentum?
Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a key pathway for decarbonising long-haul and heavy-duty transport, where battery-electric solutions face limitations in range and payload.
By pooling resources, the three companies aim to achieve the scale and efficiency required to bring fuel cell systems to market at a competitive cost.
Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström said the partnership would accelerate the development of hydrogen solutions.
“This will enable us to strengthen development and further scale hydrogen technology, which we believe complements battery-electric drives in decarbonising transport,” Rådström said.
Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt said collaboration is essential to achieve industry transformation.
“Given the importance of accelerating the transformation into net-zero transportation, the need for great companies to come together is more important than ever,” Lundstedt said.
What does this mean for the freight industry?
For freight operators, the development of hydrogen truck technology represents a potential long-term alternative to diesel, particularly for high-utilisation and long-distance routes.
Fuel cell systems offer faster refuelling times and longer range compared to battery-electric vehicles, making them suitable for heavy freight applications.
However, widespread adoption will depend on the development of hydrogen infrastructure and supply chains.
The partners have indicated they will work with industry stakeholders to support the growth of the hydrogen ecosystem.
How will the joint venture operate?
cellcentric will continue as an independent entity, serving multiple customers across transport and industrial applications.
Toyota is expected to join through a capital investment, creating an equal-shareholding structure with Daimler Truck and Volvo.
Despite the collaboration, all three companies will continue to compete independently in their core vehicle businesses.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato said the partnership brings together complementary strengths.
“Together, we can combine our strengths to deliver one of the world-leading fuel cell systems for heavy commercial vehicles,” Sato said.
The agreement remains non-binding, with further negotiations and regulatory approvals required before finalisation.