Toyota has announced that its hydrogen fuel cell modules will be used as a part of its position as worldwide mobility partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). They will be installed into ten converted coaches to replace diesel engines with zero-emission technology.

These coaches will provide transportation to more than 5,000 visitors to Paris for the Games.

The IOC and IPC will use the hydrogen fuel cell converted coaches for transporting the visitors as a part of its guest program during the 2024 Games in Paris. This time period will allow the H2-powered buses to complete their full use cycle, offering both public and private customers into the Ile de France region.

Toyota will be supplying GCK – an industrial company group providing transport decarbonization technological solutions – the modules for the conversion of the ten used Iveco coaches. In this way, they will become H2-powered electric vehicles producing zero carbon emissions.

Once converted, the buses will be purchased by French company B.E. Green. That company will bring the coaches into its existing fleet after the conclusion of the Games.

This announcement occurred simultaneously with the presenting of the first long-distance coach using the module at the RNTP Transport Event that took place in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Converting the coaches into hydrogen fuel cell buses replaces the engine and gearbox.

The diesel engine and gearbox at the front of the bus are replaced during the conversion. Instead, the buses will use batteries, 370kW electric motors, and Toyota TFCM2-B hydrogen fuel cell modules.

Through this collaboration and innovative approach, the automaker is providing a demonstration of the flexibility of all its hydrogen fuel cell powered modules when used in the conversion of conventional engines into alternatives producing zero carbon emissions.

A step toward carbon neutrality

The conversion of coaches into fuel cell electric vehicles is another important step towards achieving carbon neutrality in the transport sector. This co-operation perfectly illustrates how hydrogen applications benefit all business stakeholders and become long-term solutions,” said Toyota Motor Europe, Hydrogen Factory Vice President Thiebault Paquet.

“All ten fuel cell coaches will allow Toyota to transport guests during Paris 2024 with zero tailpipe emissions. We’d like to thank our partners for their combined efforts – being pioneers and accelerators of the hydrogen society, while making this possible in time for the Games.”