Toyota New Zealand’s Malcolm Lambert (hydrogen master technician) and Roger Spillane (manager – hydrogen programme) explain that Toyota has been developing fuel cells since the mid-1990s, and the current units are second-generation.

Each GBV truck uses two Toyota hydrogen fuel-cell units, weighing about 250kg a piece. These are the same units used in Toyota’s FCEV passenger cars and the America’s Cup hydrogen chase boat built by GBV for Emirates Team New Zealand. They’re also used globally in bus, train and power-generation applications.

Each fuel-cell unit comprises a fuel-cell stack, inside which are 330 individual cells. Each of these produces one volt by splitting electrons off the hydrogen molecules, which is injected at the anode (+) side of the cell stack. An electric turbo and intercooler pumps in outside air at the cathode (-) side of the cell stack, where it combines with the leftover hydrogen ions to form water – the only emissions from the system.

The electricity created as all this happens inside the cell stack is stepped up from 330V to 650V and sent to the vehicle’s batteries and drive motor.

“It’s an electrochemical reaction,” says Malcolm. “A very reliable system. The only serviceable items are the air and coolant filters and the coolant, which is a special deionised liquid.”

Auxiliary components like water pipes and the air compressor are packaged at the bottom of the fuel cell.

Tatsuya Ishikawa, CEO, Toyota New Zealand, says: “Toyota’s ongoing work with hydrogen technology in New Zealand aligns with its global commitment to carbon neutrality. From heavy-duty commercial vehicles to hydrogen-powered marine vessels and off-grid generators, Toyota is demonstrating that hydrogen is more than just a fuel – it’s a key part of the clean energy future.”