Toyota has joined a joint venture with Daimler and Volvo to advance fuel cell technology through a partnership called cellcentric. This collaboration aims to enhance the development and production of fuel cell unit cells.
The joint venture, which was originally established by Volvo and Daimler in 2020, marks a significant shift in Toyota’s strategy. The partnership seeks to leverage the combined expertise in the commercial sector and Toyota’s three decades of experience in fuel-cell technology for passenger vehicles.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to soon be joining Daimler Truck and Volvo Group as partners in building a hydrogen society,” said Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato. He emphasized that combining the capabilities of cellcentric with Toyota’s expertise will contribute to creating a leading fuel cell system for heavy commercial vehicles.
This venture diverges from a broader trend in the auto industry. Stellantis, which encompasses brands such as Chrysler, Citroen, Fiat, Jeep, and Peugeot, announced the cessation of its hydrogen fuel cell development program last year. Additionally, GM discontinued its hydrogen initiatives in 2025.
Despite previous reassessments of its hydrogen strategy, where it shifted focus from commercial to industrial applications, Toyota’s renewed partnership indicates a commitment to the hydrogen sector. The collaboration with cellcentric aims to push forward technological advancements in heavy-duty transportation.
