Toyota and Isuzu have officially launched a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell bus in Japan. The new model, which continues the Sora nameplate, is a joint effort between the two manufacturers to expand zero-emission public transport.
Engineers combined Isuzu’s battery-electric flat-floor bus platform with Toyota’s fuel cell technology. The system uses a 113 kW fuel cell stack paired with a large-capacity 88 kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup allows the bus to travel over 300 km on a single fill, an increase of about 100 km compared to the 2018 original.
Despite the longer range, the total hydrogen tank capacity has been reduced by approximately 20 percent, with a combined capacity of 471 liters. The three roof-mounted tanks can be refilled in about 10 minutes, though Toyota suggests that future hydrogen stations could reduce the refueling time by half.
The bus is equipped with two electric motors that produce a combined 295 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. It can also supply electricity to external devices through its high-voltage battery, allowing it to serve as an emergency power source during natural disasters and prolonged power outages.
Isuzu is also launching its own version of the vehicle, known as the Erga FCV. Both buses will be produced at the J-Bus Utsunomiya Plant. These vehicles are designed to meet the needs of transit operators by combining improved efficiency with modern safety systems for passengers and pedestrians.
In terms of safety, the bus features an Emergency Driver Stop System (EDSS) and a Driver Status Monitor (DSM). These systems can stop the bus if they detect that the driver is unable to continue driving. The Sora also features a flat floor to improve passenger accessibility, with an optional one-touch wheelchair securing system available.
Toyota plans to begin production in fiscal year 2026, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027. The bus will be manufactured by J-Bus, a joint venture between Isuzu and Hino Motors, at its plant in Utsunomiya, Japan.
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