Toyota has announced a new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell system designed for semi-truck use at the Port of Los Angeles. Dubbed “Project Portal,” the proof of concept vehicle was unveiled at a press conference with port officials and representatives from the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission (CEC). The vehicle will take part in a feasibility study this summer that will examine its potential in heavy-duty drayage applications.

“Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles play a role in California’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, improve air quality and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels,” says Janea Scott, CEC commissioner. “That’s why the California Energy Commission is investing in the refueling infrastructure needed to support adoption of these vehicles. This demo will show how fuel cells can help support the heavy-duty sector’s efforts to increase efficiency, transition to zero-emission technologies and increase competitiveness.”

According to Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), Project Portal is the next step in the company’s effort to broaden the application of zero-emission fuel cell technology to serve a range of industries. It is a fully functioning heavy duty truck with the power and torque capacity to conduct port drayage operations while emitting nothing but water vapor. The truck generates more than 670 horsepower and 1,325 pound-feet of torque from two fuel cell stacks and a 12kWh battery. The concept’s gross combined weight capacity is 80,000 lbs., and TMNA estimates its driving range is more than 200 miles per fill under normal operation.

Project Portal is just one part of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to fuel cell technology and the potential of a hydrogen society. It follows on the company’s continued work to expand California’s hydrogen refueling infrastructure, including the recently announced partnership with Shell to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations in the state. “Toyota believes that hydrogen fuel cell technology has tremendous potential to become the powertrain of the future,” says Bob Carter, TMNA executive VP. “With Project Portal, we’re proud to help explore the societal benefits of a true zero-emission heavy-duty truck platform.”