Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor Co have initiated on-road trials of the Giga Fuel Cell, a heavy-duty truck powered by fuel cells, in Japan. The testing aims to assess the potential of hydrogen fuel utilization, the practicality of fuel cell trucks for cargo handling and public road driving, vehicle operation management, and market compatibility. The demonstration, scheduled to continue until September 2024, will focus on data collection, knowledge accumulation, and the identification of technical issues in preparation for a market introduction in 2027. The prototype used for testing is the same as the one showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.
Isuzu Logistics Co and Honda Logistics, the logistics arms of the two automakers, are conducting the on-road demonstration to evaluate the viability of hydrogen fuel, the practicality of heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in various aspects, including cargo handling and public road driving, as well as vehicle operation management and market compatibility. Isuzu and Honda believe that fuel cell technology utilizing hydrogen, resulting in zero CO2 emissions, is essential for achieving carbon neutrality in heavy-duty trucks that require high-efficiency transportation, including long-distance driving, large load capacity, and quick refueling.
Since the agreement in January 2020 to jointly research fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks, the two companies have been working on verifying the compatibility of the fuel cell system with heavy-duty trucks and establishing a foundation for basic technologies such as vehicle control. Leveraging the technology, experience, and knowledge gained from this collaboration, Isuzu and Honda plan to introduce the production model to the market in 2027.