Toyota launches fuel cell production facility in Beijing

Toyota Motor Corporation marked a significant milestone in its commitment to the hydrogen economy by officially launching its state-of-the-art fuel cell R&D and production facility in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area on August 20, 2024. This new facility, developed in collaboration with local partners, underscores Toyota’s dedication to supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals and advancing hydrogen technology tailored to the Chinese market.

The facility, operated by Huafeng Fuel Cell Co., Ltd. (FCTS) and United Fuel Cell System R&D (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (FCRD), spans more than 113,000 square metres, with the first phase encompassing 44,000 square metres. It houses advanced production plants, testing workshops, research labs, and essential infrastructure, including a hydrogen station. The first phase aims to produce up to 10,000 fuel cell systems annually, with plans to expand capacity further by 2026.

During the inauguration ceremony, Tatsuro Ueda, head of Toyota China, highlighted the rapid growth of hydrogen technology in the Chinese market, particularly in applications such as buses and heavy trucks. He emphasised Toyota’s commitment to leveraging its extensive experience in hydrogen technology to support China’s green transition. 

The new facility is expected to play a crucial role in Toyota’s broader strategy to localise fuel cell technology and expand its hydrogen ecosystem, which already includes partnerships with major Chinese automotive companies like FAW, Dongfeng, and GAC. Zhang Guoqiang, chairman of Beijing SinoHytec, praised the collaboration, stating that the joint venture is poised to become a key driver of the fuel cell industry’s growth in China, contributing to a cleaner and low-carbon future.