Toyota has unveiled a major partnership to develop hydrogen refuelling stations across Europe which could see motorists fill up in just a few minutes.
Toyota Motor Europe has partnered with Hydrogen Refueling Solutions (HRS) and ENGIE to deploy next-generation hydrogen refuelling systems across Europe.
The agreement aims to introduce a faster and more cost-efficient hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as governments across the continent push for more zero emission vehicles.
The innovative solution will be piloted through an EU-funded project called RHeaDHy, focusing on accelerating infrastructure deployment.
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The project aims to boost support for hydrogen vehicles across the continent
TOYOTA
The partnership addresses one of the key challenges in expanding hydrogen supply infrastructure including the need for dispensers capable of efficiently refuelling both light and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles.
The partnership's Twin Mid Flow Technology introduces a higher-flow dual nozzle system, enabling a single dispenser to serve both vehicle types.
Heavy-duty vehicles can now refuel in under 10 minutes, while light-duty vehicles take less than five minutes to fill up.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for separate dispensers at refuelling stations, streamlining the infrastructure requirements.
The technology represents a significant advancement in hydrogen refuelling capabilities, making the process more efficient and practical for all vehicle categories.
In practical terms, a 40-tonne truck can refuel for 600km (372 miles) of range in just eight minutes. For longer journeys, the same truck can fill up for a 900km (560 miles) range in only 12 minutes.
The new technology brings significant cost advantages, with substantially lower installation costs for hydrogen refuelling stations.
Thiebault Paquet, Vice President of R&D at Toyota Motor Europe, said: "To contribute to the growth of hydrogen ecosystems, Toyota is already working with business partners who are innovating a wide range of zero carbon emission applications using our advanced fuel cell systems."
The partnership aligns with the European Union's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) targets for 2030.
AFIR requires publicly accessible hydrogen stations to be deployed every 200km (124 miles) along the TEN-T networks by the end of the decade.
The RHeaDHy project will begin testing the new technology in the fourth quarter of 2025.
HRS CEO and Founder Hassen Rachedi highlighted the partnership's strategic importance, stating it would "accelerate the roll-out of hydrogen stations across Europe and the world, reducing refuelling times and making stations more accessible and cost-effective".
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Testing of the new technology will begin later this year
TOYOTA
Quentin Nouvelot, Head of the H2 mobility research programme, said: "As project coordinator and as a research centre with expertise in refuelling simulation and refuelling protocol, ENGIE is proud to join forces with Toyota Motor Europe and HRS leveraging on the RHeaDHy project.
"By advancing high-flow refuelling solutions, this partnership strengthens the hydrogen ecosystem and accelerates the transition to cleaner energy. Together, we are setting new standards for sustainable mobility and reinforcing hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing transport at scale."
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