Auto maker Toyota this week unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell powered Class 8 truck that the company says produces no emissions and little noise. The company will begin testing the truck at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach this summer, it says, as part of a “proof of concept” on the feasibility of using hydrogen-powered rigs in drayage operations.
“Project Portal,” as Toyota has named the vehicle and its testing phase, is based on a Kenworth T660 and generates more than 670 hp and 1,325 lb.-ft. of torque, the company says. It’s powered by two Mirai fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery, giving the drayage truck more than 200 miles per fill under normal operation, the company says. The truck can haul loads up to 80,000 pounds, Toyota says.
As part of this summer’s study, the truck will carry containers from the two major Los Angeles-area ports to warehouses nearby.
Kenworth, while not involved in Project Portal, says it is “delighted” to see Toyota using a T660 to test the hydrogen fuel technology. “We expect hybrid-electric powertrains will be required within seven to 10 years to meet emissions requirements in several major metropolitan areas of the United States. Hydrogen fuel cells are a technology that may play a critical role in trucks of the future,” the company said in a statement.
Here are a few more photos of Toyota’s Project Portal tractor: