Iveco and Toyota are collaborating on the development of a heavy-duty hydrogen-powered truck that promises a range exceeding 900 kilometers while simultaneously using only half the battery capacity of the previous version.
This vehicle, named IVECO S-eWay Fuel Cell, is part of the Empower project, which is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program, and is scheduled to be on the roads in the first half of 2027.
Toyota contributes its fuel cell system, specifically the third generation presented by the Japanese manufacturer in February 2025, which has a total power output of 408 horsepower. Meanwhile, Iveco is responsible for the overall vehicle development, integration of various components, and system validation, supported by experience gained from the H2Haul program, which has already used hydrogen trucks on European routes.
A notable aspect of the project is not just the power, but the energy optimization: a more efficient management strategy allows the truck to require charging only half the battery used in the first generation of Iveco FCEVs. This reduction in vehicle weight and simplification of its architecture are crucial factors in the freight transport sector, as every kilogram saved in the structure translates to increased freight capacity.
The expected durability for this model exceeds 25,000 operating hours, a benchmark the industry seeks to achieve to match the performance of a fuel cell with a diesel engine. This expectation is supported by the third generation of Toyota technology, which, according to the manufacturer, offers a lifespan comparable to a diesel, approximately 20% higher efficiency than the previous generation, and a more compact design.
The company also endorses the use of a 700 bar refueling pressure. In practice, the announced 900 km corresponds to a trip starting from São Paulo, reaching Curitiba, and returning without needing refueling stops.
Although there are no immediate plans for the S-eWay Fuel Cell to reach the Brazilian market, Iveco maintains its operations in Sete Lagoas (MG), where it manufactures the S-Way, its only product development center outside of Europe. The multi-energy logic applied in this European project is already present in the S-Way NG, which runs on natural gas and biomethane, and in the electric eDaily model.
Additionally, hydrogen is no longer a remote possibility in Brazil. In July, GWM fueled a fuel cell truck with green hydrogen produced at Senai Cimatec, located in Camaçari (BA). However, the persistent challenge, both in Brazil and Europe, remains the refueling infrastructure.
The validation phases for the S-eWay Fuel Cell will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, preceding road tests scheduled for the first half of 2027. Neither company has released information regarding the price or the schedule for mass production. Concurrently, Iveco has been testing since June, in partnership with the operator Gruber Logistics, a battery electric truck derived from the S-eWay Rigid, which is also part of the Empower project scope.