t's official - Toyota is in the process of joining the Cellcentric consortium, a move widely interpreted as a sign of growing industrial co-operation in hydrogen fuel cell technology. The deal between Toyota and its equal shareholders Volvo Group and Daimler Truck will close around the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027 and means all three companies will hold one-third of the Cellcentric fuel cell joint venture. According to the partners, the objective is to strengthen Cellcentric’s technological leadership, industrial scale and competitiveness in heavy-duty fuel cell systems, while supporting the development of the broader hydrogen ecosystem through collaboration across the value chain.
A company spokesman comments:
"The collaboration focuses on strengthening the hydrogen ecosystem and supporting the development of hydrogen supply and infrastructure, with the goal of achieving climate-neutral and sustainable operation by 2050. Cellcentric will continue as an independent company, serving customers beyond its three shareholders across stationary power generation and other industrial sectors."
Toyota’s current fuel cell systems use hydrogen combined with oxygen in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generate electricity, producing only water as a byproduct. This electricity can power generators for off-grid buildings, electric motors in vehicles, or power other industrial applications. The technology is designed for high efficiency, durability, and adaptability across multiple sectors, says the company.
By combining Toyota’s fuel cell expertise with Daimler Truck’s and Volvo Group’s commercial vehicle experience, the partners aim to give cellcentric the scale required to accelerate the development and commercialisation of fuel cell systems at a time when battery-electric technology is advancing rapidly, while hydrogen remains the preferred long-term solution for certain long-haul and high-duty-cycle applications.
With over 30 years of experience in fuel cell technology, Toyota is committed to the success of the H2 ecosystem. From fuelling stations and plants, to its North American Hydrogen Headquarters, the company says it is fully invested in the hydrogen supply chain to bring reliable, scalable and efficient power to consumers.
More from
Fuel Cells
