Honda Unveils Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck Ahead of Advanced Clean Transportation Expo

Honda Motor Co. has recently unveiled a new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) designed for the heavy-duty truck market. This announcement, made on May 17, introduced a concept Class 8 truck that is set to make its first public appearance at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas, running from May 20 to May 24.

Earlier in January, the Japanese automotive giant shared its vision for this U.S. concept truck, part of its broader strategy to develop hydrogen technology. In Japan, Honda and Isuzu Motors Ltd. are already testing a heavy-duty hydrogen FCEV, which they plan to launch as a production model by 2027.

For the North American market, Honda’s concept truck is a substantial vehicle with a gross combined weight (GCW) of approximately 82,173 pounds (37,273 kilograms). The tractor itself weighs around 28,479 pounds (12,918 kilograms), and it supports a trailer and payload totaling 53,694 pounds (24,355 kilograms). Honda disclosed these specifications along with the truck’s performance features, which include a top speed of 70 mph and a 400-mile range at full GCW.

Equipped with a robust 240-kilowatt fuel cell system and powered by three Honda fuel cells, the truck also features an 82 kg, 700 bar hydrogen tank and a 120 kWh battery. Interestingly, Honda used a Peterbilt Model 579 tractor as the base for this concept vehicle but modified it with their fuel cell systems. However, Honda clarified that this is not a joint venture with Peterbilt and that their current focus is not on manufacturing Class 8 trucks themselves but rather on collaborating with existing truck manufacturers in the medium- and heavy-duty sectors.

The fuel cell systems powering the truck are being produced at Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, a joint venture with General Motors located in Brownstown, Michigan. This facility began producing fuel cells for the commercial vehicle market in January, marking a significant step in a partnership that began back in 2013. Honda anticipates initial sales from this venture to be around 2,000 units per year, with plans to increase production and sales over time.

This new fuel cell system is central to Honda’s hydrogen business strategy, which was announced earlier in the year. “Commercial vehicles, including Class 8 trucks, are a critical segment where fuel cells can effectively replace zero-emission alternatives to current diesel-powered vehicles,” explained Ryan Harty, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability and Business Development at American Honda Motor Co. He emphasized Honda’s commitment to exploring business collaborations and finding customers to bring these hydrogen fuel cell solutions to the North American market.

At the ACT Expo, Honda will not only display this concept truck but also showcase other innovative products including the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, their fuel cell system, and a prototype electric off-road vehicle known as the Honda autonomous work vehicle.

Honda’s vision extends beyond vehicles to a comprehensive zero environmental impact goal by 2050. This vision includes their “Triple Action to Zero” strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality, 100% renewable energy usage, and complete resource circulation by reprocessing and reusing materials. Part of this ambitious goal is for Honda to achieve 100% of its auto sales in the U.S. and globally from battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles by 2040.

Following this strategic path, Honda announced a revamped strategy for battery-electric passenger cars and light trucks on May 16, with plans to introduce seven EVs globally by 2030 and invest $65 billion over the next decade to support this transition.