Seven-Eleven Japan to Use Toyota’s Fuel Cell Trucks

June 7, 2018

Tokyo- Major convenience store operator Seven-Eleven Japan Co. said on Wednesday that it will introduce two compact fuel-cell trucks newly developed by Toyota Motor Corp. in spring 2019 for product deliveries to its outlets in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Seven-Eleven Japan plans to deploy more of the truck after confirming the vehicle's performance as it aims to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Fuel cell vehicles do not emit CO2 as they are powered by electricity generated through chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen.

The Toyota-made truck employs the same fuel cell system as that adopted for the Mirai fuel cell vehicle of the leading Japanese automaker.

Electricity produced by the fuel cells will also be used to keep operating the truck's refrigerating and freezing systems for fresh foods even when it is parked.

The truck can travel 200 kilometers on a full hydrogen charge, which takes about only five minutes.

Fuel cell vehicles are capable of traveling longer distances than electric vehicles and faster to charge.

In 2017, Seven-Eleven Japan agreed to use Toyota's technologies for its outlets and logistics to reduce CO2 emissions.

Seven-Eleven Japan is also considering installing power generators using fuel cell systems at some of its stores in autumn 2019. Jiji Press