Japan launches first hydrogen fuel cell bus

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a real and compelling alternative for many Asian manufacturers, especially Japanese ones. This alternative propulsion system allows vehicles to operate thanks to the electrical energy generated by a hydrogen-fueled fuel cell, which is mixed with oxygen to generate energy and drive the electric motor. Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles generate no exhaust emissions other than water vapor, a non-polluting element.

The first mass-produced bus with a clearly entrepreneurial vocation is the result of a joint venture –or trade agreement– between Isuzu and Toyota, two of Japan's largest industrial leaders. It's worth remembering that the Land of the Rising Sun is a leader in the use, research, and application of hydrogen as an alternative energy source to petroleum, with its promotion, research, development, and improvement practically being Japanese national objectives, and that they enjoy the support of various public administrations.

This project aims to combine the knowledge and foundation of the urban electric buses already manufactured by Isuzu through J-Bus with a hydrogen fuel cell system developed by Toyota, taking advantage of its experience with the Mirai, the first fuel cell vehicle ever mass-produced. This revolutionary bus, which can be used for urban and semi-urban applications thanks to its towing capacity, range, and ease of recharging, will be manufactured at the Utsunomiya plant in Tochigi, northern Tokyo, and is part of a government plan promoted by the Ministry of Petroleum.

The goal of both manufacturers is to adapt the facilities at the Utsunomiya plant to begin mass production of the fuel cell bus during the first half of 2026 and have a fully operational production line by spring 2027.