TOKYO — Japanese automakers are betting on trucks to pave the way for hydrogen-powered cars, which have been slow to catch on despite much domestic expectation that the technology will help drive decarbonization.
A heavy truck 12 meters long and painted with the letters “H2” on its sides on Dec. 22 started taking test drives on Tokyo roads. Jointly developed by Honda Motor and Isuzu Motors, the truck is powered by fuel cells, which combine hydrogen with oxygen in the air to make electricity for turning the wheels.