Japan just got a preview of two new hydrogen trucks made for long drives. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) introduced two new concept trucks at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. Both trucks are made to run on hydrogen and are built for heavy-duty and long-distance driving. The show is being held at Tokyo Big Sight from October 30 to November 9.
The two trucks are called the H2IC and the H2FC. The H2IC has a hydrogen-powered engine that burns compressed hydrogen gas instead of diesel. The H2FC is powered by a fuel cell system that turns hydrogen into electricity to drive the truck. These two trucks aim to give a cleaner option for commercial trucks used in jobs like cargo delivery and construction.
One of the reasons hydrogen is being tested for trucks is because it has high energy, it takes less time to refuel compared to electric batteries, and it works well for long trips. MFTBC believes it could help trucks stay on the road longer while reducing carbon emissions. The H2IC uses many parts that are already used in diesel trucks, which could help companies shift to hydrogen faster. This model is especially useful for jobs that need high power, like heavy lifting or construction.
Meanwhile, the H2FC uses liquid hydrogen instead of compressed gas. This gives the truck a longer range of up to 1,200 kilometers, and it can be refueled in just 15 minutes. The liquid hydrogen is stored in a tank without reducing the truck’s space for cargo. This is also the first time in Japan that a truck is using a tank designed for subcooled liquid hydrogen, or sLH2. This refueling system was developed by Daimler Truck and Linde Engineering. It helps avoid waste during refueling by keeping the hydrogen from boiling off. It also helps lower the cost of building hydrogen stations because it needs fewer parts and less pressure.
MFTBC has been working with Iwatani Corporation, the only local supplier of liquid hydrogen in Japan, to develop and test this system. Together, they are working on rules and processes that could lead to global standards for this kind of hydrogen refueling. They are also talking to other companies and partners to help set up sLH2 refueling stations across Japan. While MFTBC already makes battery-electric trucks for light-duty use, the company is now working on clean options for heavy-duty trucks, too. These two hydrogen models are part of that goal.
