In February 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation announced the development of a new third-generation fuel cell system designed to promote the adoption of hydrogen in freight transport. The new system, named the 3rd Gen FC System, is said by the company to offer a lifespan comparable to that of diesel engines. Compared to the previous generation, it boasts twenty per cent greater efficiency and an extended range. Additionally, Toyota has significantly reduced production costs through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes. The company plans to introduce this technology to markets in Japan, Europe, North America, and China from 2026.
A preview of the new system will take place on 19 February at the H2 & FC Expo in Tokyo, an international event dedicated to hydrogen and fuel cells. This launch represents a strategic step in Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality by promoting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. The Japanese company is actively involved in developing the entire hydrogen supply chain, from production and transport to storage and end use.
Since the launch of the Mirai in 2014, Toyota has sold approximately 28,000 fuel cell vehicles across more than thirty countries. In Japan, the company collaborates with partners in the Tokyo and Fukushima prefectures to test the use of the technology in industrial vehicles. The new 3rd Gen FC System is the result of insights gained in recent years and the specific needs expressed by users.
