Toyota has designed a heavy-duty truck concept powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The concept, called Project Portal, was designed to examine the potential of low-emissions trucks at the Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest ports in the country. This summer, Toyota’s Project Portal will be part of a feasibility study that will look at the potential use of fuel cell technology in heavy-duty applications. The study will be a part of the Port’s Clean Air Action Plan, which has significantly reduced emissions at both the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach since 2005.
The truck puts out over 670 horsepower and 1,325 lb-ft of torque, which comes from two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery. The concept truck has a gross combined weight capacity of 80,000 pounds and has and estimated range of more than 200 miles per tank, under normal use.
The announcement was made with Port officials, and representatives from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC). Mary D. Nichols, Chair, California Air Resources Board (CARB), said, “As they did with the Prius and the Mirai, Toyota is taking a leap into the future of technology. By bringing this heavy duty, zero emission hydrogen fuel cell proof of concept truck to the Port, Toyota has planted a flag that we hope many others will follow. CARB will be following the progress of this feasibility study with interest, as we look to develop the best mix of regulations and incentives to rapidly expand the market for the cleanest, most efficient big trucks to meet the need for dramatic change in the freight sector.”
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TMNA Executive Vice President Bob Carter explains, “Toyota believes that hydrogen fuel cell technology has tremendous potential to become the powertrain of the future. From creating one of the world’s first mass market fuel cell vehicles, to introducing fuel cell buses in Japan, Toyota is a leader in expanding the use of versatile and scalable zero-emission technology. With Project Portal, we’re proud to help explore the societal benefits of a true zero emission heavy-duty truck platform.”
“The Port of Los Angeles is excited to collaborate with Toyota to explore the feasibility of fuel cell technology for port drayage operations,” said Tony Gioiello, Deputy Executive Director of Port Development, Port of Los Angeles. “Our port and industry stakeholders have demonstrated their leadership in reducing pollution from port-related operations, and we see the potential of Toyota’s zero-emission heavy-duty truck technology as another solution to meet the long-term goals of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan.”
