Toyota to supply hydrogen fuel cells for Mercedes-Benz buses

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will supply its Toyota fuel cell module (TFCM) for Daimler Buses’ new hydrogen city bus, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Range Extender.

H2 View understands that the TFCM2-F-60 is a second-generation flat type module, which produces 60kW power and can be integrated into the roof of the bus, alongside the battery and hydrogen tanks.

TME’s all-electric buses claim to have a range of 400km for a solo bus and up to 350km for the articulated version, however with the integration of the TFCM, the need for intermediate on-the-go charging is eliminated.

TME engineers will support the overall design of the system and the integration of the module into the bus to ensure optimum efficiency, power and service life.

The heavy-duty unit’s efficiency also results in a comparatively low consumption of hydrogen relative to the power generation, according to the company.

With an integrated voltage converter, the TFCM operates in a voltage range of 450 to 700 volts and most efficiently at around 30kW.

Matt Harrison, President and CEO at Toyota Motor Europe, commented, “We are delighted to work with Daimler Buses and are pleased to see that our hydrogen powertrain sales activities in Europe continue to expand.

“Toyota is committed to achieve carbon neutrality and we believe hydrogen is one of the key building blocks of a future decarbonised society.”