Isuzu And Honda's Fuel Cell-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck Hits Japanese Roads For Testing

The Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor Co have commenced public road testing of the Giga Fuel Cell, a prototype model that mirrors the one showcased at the Isuzu Group booth during the Japan Mobility Show 2023.

Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor Co have initiated demonstration testing of their collaborative venture, the Giga Fuel Cell, a heavy-duty truck powered by fuel cells. The ambitious project aims to evaluate the viability of hydrogen fuel utilisation and assess the practicality of heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in various operational scenarios.

The demonstration testing is designed to serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to accumulate crucial data and insights into the Giga Fuel Cell's capabilities, addressing technical issues and refining the technology for a potential market introduction.

The collaborative effort between Isuzu and Honda is part of a broader strategy to establish fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks in the market by 2027. Throughout the testing phase, the companies will focus on several key aspects.

These include evaluating the efficiency of hydrogen fuel, assessing the practicality of heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in cargo handling and public road driving, and refining vehicle operation management, particularly concerning hydrogen refueling. Furthermore, the market compatibility of heavy-duty trucks, including their economic feasibility and environmental impact, will be closely examined.

Both automakers have commenced public road testing of the Giga Fuel Cell, a prototype model that mirrors the one showcased at the Isuzu Group booth during the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The testing period is scheduled to extend through September 2024, during which Isuzu Logistics Co and Honda Logistics, the logistics arms of the respective companies, will rigorously assess the vehicle's performance.

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The Giga Fuel Cell project demonstrates Isuzu and Honda's commitment to advancing eco-friendly transportation solutions. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies aim to contribute to the evolution of the automotive industry, promoting sustainable practices and reducing the carbon footprint associated with heavy-duty transportation.

Isuzu and Honda believe that FC technology, which uses hydrogen as a fuel and emits no CO2, will be effective in achieving carbon neutrality in heavy-duty trucks, which are required to achieve high-efficiency transportation (capability for long-distance driving, large load capacity, and quick refueling).

Since signing an agreement in January 2020 to conduct joint research on FC-powered heavy-duty trucks, the two companies have been working on confirming the compatibility of the FC system and heavy-duty trucks and laying the groundwork for basic technologies such as vehicle control technologies.

The two firms intend to launch the production model in 2027, employing the technology, experience, and information accumulated via cooperative research.