Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor have signed a partnership agreement to develop a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck set for release in 2027. Under this agreement, Honda will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu’s forthcoming truck.
The two companies have jointly developed a prototype fuel cell truck that has been licensed for use on public roads in Japan. Isuzu and Honda share a vision for a carbon-neutral society and see fuel cell technology, which uses hydrogen as fuel and emits no CO2, as a significant step toward achieving carbon neutrality for heavy-duty trucks. These vehicles require solutions to address their substantial load capacity, long-term use, long-distance driving, and quick refueling needs.
Since their agreement in January 2020 to jointly research heavy-duty trucks powered by fuel cells, Isuzu and Honda have been developing the necessary foundational technologies. These include ensuring the compatibility of fuel cells with heavy-duty trucks and the development of vehicle control technologies. The companies anticipate starting public road demonstration testing of a prototype truck before the end of the current fiscal year (ending March 31, 2024).
Leveraging the experience and knowledge gained through their joint research, Isuzu and Honda will continue to progress in the development of products that meet the performance requirements for heavy-duty trucks and satisfy customer needs.
In future, both companies will use their respective strengths to accelerate the development of clean, low-noise, low-vibration fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks. This collaboration aims to drive a shift toward clean energy use across the industry, including logistics businesses, through more proactive use of hydrogen energy. In doing so, Isuzu and Honda are striving to achieve their shared goal of realizing a carbon-neutral society.
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