The next phase in the development of hydrogen-powered trucks is set to go underway, with Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor planning to test their joint project on Japanese public roads this year. The Japanese companies have joined forces to develop a large fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which can run for about 600 kilometers on just a single tank of hydrogen.
FCEVs are considered to be the ultimate eco-vehicle because of their non-emission of carbon dioxide. This is made possible by the eco-friendly motors found in FCEVs that rely on the electricity generated from the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. When hydrogen and oxygen combine, water is discharged from the vehicle, which is environment-friendly.
Honda and Isuzu started work on this project back in 2020, with the Japanese companies concluding that fuel cell technology would be better served in commercial vehicles than passenger cars. It was the first time in Honda's history that the Japanese company provided an outside firm access to its fuel cells. Honda knew the partnership was worthwhile as hydrogen-powered automobiles are the future when it comes to eco-friendly transport.
Japanese companies have been at the forefront in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. Toyota Motor was the first automaker to launch a hydrogen-powered automobile, releasing the historic Mirai in 2014. Honda followed suit two years later with the launch of Clarity in 2016. However, the technology behind these vehicles was complex, leading to high prices for the automobiles. For instance, the Clarity was priced at a staggering 7.83 million yen ($71,000).
According to British research firm IHS Markit, only about 4,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles were in the global market back in 2018. That is far off from the 1.4 million electric vehicles sold during that period. Since then, demand for electric vehicles has risen, further extending the divide between these two products.
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Given the high costs, Honda deemed hydrogen power to be more suitable for commercial vehicles, given that they need batteries that not only add weight but also take time to charge. After two years of testing, Honda and Isuzu are ready to take the next step with their project.
The plan now is for the 23-tonne FCEV to be tested in Japan's expressways and roads to see the vehicle's performance and safety over long distances in Tokyo's metropolitan area. If tests go as planned, Honda and Isuzu aim to launch the much-awaited vehicle in 2030 at the earliest.
The hope now is that lower manufacturing costs will transpire in the coming years to make mass production more feasible. Having a network of hydrogen refueling stations will also help the production of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles go into overdrive.
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