Toyota is working on a heavy truck powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that is tested in real conditions for container transport in the United States. Project Portal 2.0 is the second evolution of this semi-trailer which is closer to a marketable version.
It is not only with the Mirai that Toyota is interested in the fuel cell as an alternative to batteries for electric cars. The Japanese manufacturer has been testing this technology since last year on a semi-trailer truck under the name of Project Portal. This truck is currently used to move containers in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in California (United States) and has already traveled more than 16,000 kilometers.
Toyota extends the experience with a new version of this truck called Project Portal 2.0. Like the previous model, the hydrogen technology and the 12 kWh battery are the same as those fitted to the Mirai. We also find the same powertrain as on Project Portal 1, whose electric motors develop 500 kW (670 hp) and 1,796 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the new heavyweight increases the range compared to the first model to reach 500 kilometers.
Replace diesel trucks in American ports
The hydrogen storage tanks have been reconfigured to save interior space and be able to add a bunk, without lengthening the chassis wheelbase. According to Toyota, Project Portal 2.0 is a little closer to a marketable model. Beginning this fall, he will also begin moving containers at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
In its press release, Toyota explains its choice to target this factoring activity in ports by indicating that more than 43,000 diesel trucks circulate there in the United States. Replace these heavyweights pollutants by lorries hydrogen could help to significantly reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. The Japanese manufacturer also announces that it aims to eliminate CO 2 emissions at its facilities at the port of Long Beach in 2050.
