Editor's note: This story has been amended from an earlier version. Toyota will be offering its fuel cell kit for new factory spec'd trucks only.
Toyota announced Monday that the California Air Resources Board has approved of their Class 8 zero-emission fuel cell kit that will be available later this year for new factory spec'd trucks.
The hydrogen-fueled powertrain kit includes hydrogen fuel storage tanks, fuel cell stacks, batteries, electric motors and transmission.
“Toyota aims to reduce or eliminate emissions for all mobility solutions, and our fuel cell electric powertrains have proven that hydrogen can play a significant role in the reduction of emissions from heavy-duty transportation,” said Scott Friedman, senior program manager advanced mobility, Toyota Motor North America. “Receiving the Zero-Emission Powertrain Executive Order from CARB is a key achievement for our teams who have dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort, and we are excited to offer this powertrain commercially in the near future.”
Toyota’s CARB ZEP-certified powertrain kit is now ready for commercialization, with production slated to start for customers later this year at the company’s Kentucky manufacturing plant. The kit is designed for seamless integration to OEM-engineered gliders. It is not intended as a rebuild solution for rebuild applications.
Toyota also told Commercial Carrier Journal that range for their kit "will vary by application and the truck manufacturer." Toyota is not providing the weight of the kit at this time. Powertrain warranty will be in conjunction with the vehicle OEM's warranty. Zero-emission incentive programs can be used in the purchase.
"The powertrain kit certification allows for eligibility for certain incentives," Toyota spokesperson Josh Burns told CCJ. "Those incentives can vary per state and federal programs. Please check with your local and federal agencies for additional details."
