Isuzu Motors, DENSO, Toyota Motor, Hino Motors and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) announced that they have started planning and foundational research on H₂ engines for heavy-duty commercial vehicles with the aim of further utilizing 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. H₂ engines are one such option. The H₂-powered Corolla has participated in the Super Taikyu Series since May 2021, and H₂ engine technology is evolving. In addition, efforts toward achieving a H₂ society are further accelerating, such as the increase in the number of partners in producing, transporting and using H₂.

CO₂ reduction in transportation and logistics by heavy-duty commercial vehicles, an important piece of infrastructure that supports people’s lives, is a social issue that needs to be addressed together with partners who share a common vision toward achieving a carbon neutral society. Isuzu, DENSO, Toyota, Hino and CJPT believe that H₂ engines are one solution to this issue and will utilize the technologies and know-how each company has accumulated to study the potential of H₂ engines in heavy-duty commercial vehicles.