Isuzu, Toyota, Hino join forces to develop electric bus 

Private vehicles are not the only target of efforts towards emissions-free mobility. Even public transport is bound to shift towards sustainability, a goal that three of Japan’s major automakers are striving to achieve. 

Toyota, Hino, and Isuzu are teaming up to develop both battery-electric and fuel cell electric buses

Toyota Motor Corporation announced a partnership with its subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd. and rival Isuzu Motors Ltd. in developing an electric bus. This will utilize a flat-floor layout spanning the length of the vehicle, aiding in ingress and egress of passengers such as the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

The move is reportedly in collaboration with Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Co. Ltd., which has been utilizing CASE technologies (Connected, Automated, Shared, Electric) in addressing social issues. 

The proposed FCEV flat-floor bus will feature a powertrain used by the Toyota Mirai

Under the terms of the agreement, Isuzu and Hino will form the J-Bus Ltd. joint venture, to collaborate in producing battery electric vehicle (BEV) flat-floor route buses by 2024. As the two companies have been working together in the bus industry since 2002, both intend to respond to market demand for zero-emissions bus routes.

Isuzu will develop the vehicle, adopting a BEV powertrain that brings zero emissions during use. Moreover, the company intends to take advantage of the flexible layout to expand the flat-floor area compared to similar units that use a combustion engine, improving travel safety. 

These buses will feature CASE technologies for intelligent and safer travels

Apart from using batteries, Toyota will also join Hino and Isuzu in studying the planning and development of next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses. These units will reportedly combine the BEV flat-floor platform with the fuel cell system that Toyota currently uses on the Mirai luxury car and SORA (Sky, Ocean, River, Air) bus, with the latter expected to provide the template in terms of mobility, intelligence, and safety. 

Both the planned BEV and FCEV flat-floor buses will share components, which the three automakers aim will contribute to reduced development and maintenance costs. The bigger objective for Toyota, Hino, and Isuzu will be attaining a hydrogen-based society in Japan.

Know which automakers are working together for a better world at Philkotse.com.