Honda's latest concept is a hydrogen fuel cell semi-truck, simply called the Class 8 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Concept. The company will show it, along with other fuel cell vehicles, at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas on May 20.

The concept truck, which is based on the Peterbilt model 579EV, integrates three Honda-produced hydrogen fuel cells, totaling a power output of 240 kW. It can achieve a top speed of 70 mph (112 km/h), and covers up to 400 miles (643 km) with a full load of 82,000 pounds (37.194 tons). Notably, the Peterbilt branding has been replaced with Honda’s insignia to highlight the modifications brought by Honda's technology.

Ryan Harty, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability and Business Development at Honda expressed that "Commercial vehicles, including Class 8 trucks, where fuel cells offer the best zero-emission replacement for existing diesel applications, are a key part of Honda’s broad hydrogen business strategy."

Honda makes no mention of Peterbilt in its announcement. It's unclear if there's any co-development between the two brands. While the truck is a concept, the fuel cells are not. They're new production items currently being built at the joint Honda-General Motors plant in Michigan. With this truck, Honda hopes to attract the interest of potential partners in a hydrogen-fueled future.

Source: Honda

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving