Toyota and Scania are stepping up efforts to bring hydrogen fuel-cell technology to Europe’s heavy-duty transport sector, with 40 Scania trucks set to hit the road using Toyota’s latest-generation fuel-cell systems.

 

Under a new partnership announced September 7, Toyota will supply its third-generation fuel-cell technology for Scania’s Pilot Partner programme, putting hydrogen-powered trucks through real-world logistics operations rather than laboratory tests.

 

The first Scania hydrogen fuel-cell electric trucks are scheduled to begin operating in the first quarter of 2027.

 

The programme is designed to generate hard data on how hydrogen fuel-cell trucks perform under demanding commercial conditions, including technical performance, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership. Scania will work with selected customers to assess sustainable transport technologies in actual use cases.

 

Toyota’s third-generation fuel-cell system delivers 300 kW of power in a compact package designed for heavy-duty applications, as well as other potential uses.

 

Toyota sees heavy trucks as a critical catalyst for expanding Europe’s hydrogen economy, arguing that the sector’s long-distance and high-utilisation requirements could help drive demand for both hydrogen vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.

 

“We believe heavy-duty transport is key to building hydrogen demand and infrastructure. Furthermore, we believe hydrogen is the right solution for demanding heavy-duty applications, where long range, high utilisation and operational efficiency are essential. 

 

"By bringing Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system into Scania customers’ logistics operations, together we are taking an important step towards enabling hydrogen-powered mobility to play a larger role across Europe’s heavy-duty transport industry," said Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Corporation.

 

For Scania, the partnership offers a chance to test hydrogen technology directly with customers and identify where it can deliver practical benefits—and where challenges remain.

 

“We are pleased to partner with Toyota to explore how fuel cell technology performs in demanding real-world transport operations. Through our Pilot Partner programme, we work with selected customers to test new technologies in actual use cases, learn from their experience and develop our solutions further. This collaboration will give us valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology in heavy-duty transport," said Sara Forsberg, Chief Technology Officer, Scania.

 

The collaboration marks another push by two major automotive players to assess hydrogen as a zero-emission option for heavy-duty transport, where range, payload demands and vehicle utilisation can make the transition away from conventional powertrains particularly challenging.

 

With the first trucks due to enter operation in early 2027, the real test will now move from development centres to Europe’s logistics routes.