In Indonesia, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the debut of the Toyota Yaris Cross 2023, in Japan it seems that two automotive manufacturers have just signed a memorandum of understanding. Are Isuzu Motors Limited and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. which agreed to develop a hydrogen fuel cell system (FCEV) for commercial vehicles.
Later Honda will supply hydrogen-powered engines for heavy duty trucks from Isuzu. Even these two Japanese companies have also committed that the Isuzu hydrogen truck will be launched in 2027.
Both Isuzu and Honda see that by applying hydrogen fuel, the truck will not produce any carbon emissions at all. This is an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality, especially in the commercial vehicle segment. Moreover, trucks with large loads so far have a large enough energy consumption and also produce high emissions. In fact, the distance traveled by large trucks, such as logistical needs, is generally very long.
Nothing New For Isuzu and Honda
In fact, the partnership between the two companies is not new. Since 2020 both of them have been conducting research on FCEV for commercial vehicles, especially trucks. This research includes ensuring fuel cell compatibility and also vehicle control technology.
In addition, on March 31, 2024, the two will also conduct road tests for the Isuzu Giga FCEV truck for the first time in Japan. This is done to ensure that everything goes as expected before the car is actually mass produced.
Isuzu Trucks Become More "Green"
Isuzu, which is part of the Commercial Japanese Partnership Technologies (CJPT) together with Toyota, has actually been in partnership with other Japanese manufacturers for a long time. Including Suzuki, Daihatsu, and of course Toyota.
The goal is to conduct research in terms of engine technology that is more environmentally friendly. So that in the future Isuzu will abandon diesel engines and switch to full electric (EV) or hybrid (FCEV).
Currently, Isuzu also has a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) model for their truck which is scheduled for release in the United States (US) next year. As for Honda, the partnership with Isuzu enlarges their market share of hydrogen vehicles that are not just for passenger models.
