Toyota has signed an agreement with Hyroad Energy to lease 40 electric trucks converted to hydrogen in the United States. The Japanese company aims to demonstrate that this technology can still compete. Toyota will provide its hydrogen charging network, while Hyroad will manage the vehicles, maintenance, and software. The goal is to make profitable an infrastructure that has seen little development in the country so far.
How the conversion from electric to hydrogen fuel cell works 🚛
The trucks start from a battery-electric base, but Hyroad modifies them to incorporate a hydrogen fuel cell. This eliminates reliance on large batteries and reduces charging time to minutes, similar to diesel refueling. Toyota contributes its expertise in hydrogen fuel cells, developed over years with the Mirai. The charging network will be key, as the lack of stations has been the main obstacle for this technology in the United States.
Hydrogen: the technology that won't give up, even if no one expects it 💡
Toyota insists on hydrogen as if it were a distant relative who shows up unannounced for Christmas dinner. Everyone prefers the battery electric, but hydrogen sits down, asks for a plate, and assures that its time will come. With only 40 leased trucks, the bet seems more like group therapy than a business plan. At least, no one can say they didn't try.