Hino Fuel Cell Trucks Target 2030 With Longer Range

Hino Plans Next-Generation Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Trucks

Hino Motors Limited has announced plans to release next-generation Hino fuel cell trucks around 2030, expanding its heavy-duty fuel cell vehicle lineup with technology developed by Toyota Motor Corporation. The planned trucks will use Toyota’s next-generation fuel cell system, which is being developed specifically for heavy-duty applications and is designed to improve both energy efficiency and durability. Hino intends to offer two models to address different transportation requirements, with one prioritizing load capacity and the other emphasizing cruising range. The strategy follows Hino’s introduction of its first mass-production heavy-duty fuel cell truck, the “Profia Z FCV,” which was launched in October 2025.

Low-Floor Model Targets Diesel-Like Cargo Capacity

The next-generation model planned for around 2030 will feature a low-floor design focused on high load capacity. Hino says the vehicle will secure cargo space comparable to diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks, addressing an important consideration for transportation companies that depend on available cargo volume. The company’s decision to develop two models reflects different operational priorities among commercial vehicle operators. While one model will emphasize carrying capacity, the other will be configured around cruising range. This approach is intended to provide transportation businesses with options that better match their operating requirements while advancing fuel cell technology in demanding heavy-duty truck applications.

Toyota Third-Generation FC System Improves Efficiency

The planned trucks will use Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system, which is currently under development for heavy-duty applications. Compared with Toyota’s second-generation system, the new technology improves energy efficiency by 20% and increases cruising range by 1.2 times. These improvements are intended to enhance operating performance for heavy-duty transportation, where energy consumption and usable range are important considerations. The third-generation system will also provide a significant durability improvement, with durability doubled compared with the previous generation. Hino and Toyota are targeting durability and performance comparable to diesel engines, while maintaining the advantages of a fuel cell-based powertrain.

Hino and Toyota Target Lower Vehicle Prices

Hino Motors Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation are also planning to reduce vehicle prices compared with current fuel cell truck models. Lower pricing could help address one of the practical barriers associated with deploying fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles, particularly for transportation companies evaluating the economics of newer powertrain technologies. The planned combination of improved energy efficiency, longer cruising range, greater durability, and lower vehicle prices represents a broader effort to make fuel cell trucks more suitable for commercial operations. The development builds on Hino’s existing heavy-duty fuel cell vehicle program and extends its focus toward the next generation of production models.

Industry Impact & Outlook

Hino’s planned next-generation heavy-duty fuel cell trucks could strengthen the commercial vehicle industry’s focus on fuel cell powertrains by addressing several operational factors that influence fleet adoption, including cargo capacity, cruising range, durability, and vehicle cost. Toyota’s third-generation system is central to these improvements, while Hino’s two-model strategy gives transportation companies choices based on different operating priorities. The planned 2030 timing also gives the companies additional development time to improve the technology and reduce costs from current levels. The most significant next step will be the continued development of the fuel cell system and the eventual introduction of the planned heavy-duty models.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Hino plan to release its next-generation fuel cell trucks?
Hino plans to release its next-generation heavy-duty fuel cell trucks around 2030, using Toyota’s third-generation fuel cell system. The planned lineup will include two models designed around different transportation priorities, with one emphasizing load capacity and the other focusing on cruising range. The high-load-capacity model will use a low-floor configuration intended to provide cargo space comparable to diesel trucks. Hino also plans to lower vehicle prices compared with current models while targeting improved energy efficiency, longer range, and doubled durability.