Isuzu Motors Limited and Toyota Motor Corporation announced an agreement to collaborate on developing Japan's first mass-produced light-duty fuel cell electric truck. The companies plan to begin production in fiscal year 2027.

The vehicle will be based on Isuzu's ELF EV battery electric truck, launched in 2023, and will incorporate Toyota's third-generation fuel cell system. Both companies will jointly develop the system to ensure compatibility for commercial vehicle operating conditions.

Light-duty trucks are commonly used for deliveries to supermarkets and convenience stores, often requiring long operating hours and multiple daily trips. Many are equipped with refrigeration capabilities and need quick energy replenishment to maintain operational efficiency.

Fuel cell electric vehicles offer advantages over battery electric vehicles in high-utilization applications, including shorter refueling times compared to charging and longer driving ranges per refueling. Like battery electric vehicles, fuel cell trucks produce minimal vibration and noise while emitting no CO2 during operation.

The new truck will use Isuzu's I-MACS product development platform and Toyota's next-generation fuel cell stack designed to enhance vehicle durability and extend service life. Both companies are working to reduce costs through optimized vehicle body structures, manufacturing process improvements, and fuel cell design innovations.

The collaboration builds on the companies' joint development of the ERGA FCV fuel cell route bus and results from a fuel cell light-duty truck social implementation project conducted by Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation.

The companies stated they will work with local governments and businesses to support wider adoption of hydrogen mobility as part of broader hydrogen utilization initiatives at national and local government levels.