Toyota Establishes North American Hydrogen Headquarters, Accelerating Hydrogen Innovation
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) today announced the renaming of its TMNA R&D California office to the North American Hydrogen Headquarters (H2HQ), solidifying its commitment to hydrogen technologies and a sustainable hydrogen economy. The redesigned Gardena facility will spearhead Toyota’s hydrogen initiatives across research, development, commercialization, and sales of hydrogen-related products.
“Renaming this facility as North American Hydrogen Headquarters represents our leadership in fuel cell development, creating real-world products to help reduce carbon emissions,” said Ted Ogawa, President and CEO of TMNA. The move underscores Toyota’s three-decade investment in hydrogen fuel cell electric technology, part of its broader electrified portfolio aimed at achieving zero emissions.
A Global Hydrogen Vision Comes to Life
Toyota’s latest announcement follows the company’s establishment of “Hydrogen Factory” hubs in Japan and Europe, designed to consolidate hydrogen-related efforts and accelerate innovation. The H2HQ will serve as a North American counterpart, focusing on localizing hydrogen technologies for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, stationary power generation, and port applications.
The facility boasts advanced research tools, including a 1.2 MW dynamometer and a hydrogen fueling station supporting both light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Key future additions to the H2HQ campus include a flexible microgrid, a sustainable education center, and other infrastructure aimed at promoting hydrogen adoption.
California as the Hydrogen Epicenter
California State Senator Josh Newman praised Toyota’s decision to establish H2HQ in the state, highlighting the synergy between Toyota’s innovations and California’s clean energy ambitions. “The work done here, along with green hydrogen initiatives throughout the state, is propelling California toward a dynamic, clean-energy economy,” said Newman.
Toyota’s planned microgrid will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including a 230-kW solar photovoltaic system, a 1-MW stationary fuel cell generator, a 325-kW solid oxide fuel cell, and a 500-kWh battery energy storage system. The microgrid is expected to be fully operational by 2026, enabling the campus to function independently from the power grid.
Decades of Hydrogen Innovation
From the Mirai, one of the world’s first mass-market hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to heavy-duty trucks and stationary power solutions, Toyota has been at the forefront of hydrogen innovation. Key milestones include:
Development of Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell trucks for California’s “Shore to Store” ZANZEFF project, proving hydrogen’s viability in heavy-duty applications.
Collaboration with PACCAR’s Kenworth brand on fuel cell-powered trucks, culminating in commercialization efforts in 2023.
Stationary power projects, including a 1MW fuel cell generator for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and a prototype generator with Kohler for emergency hospital power.
A Vision for the Future
H2HQ will house new projects to advance fuel cell technology and infrastructure. A sustainable education center, set to open in the coming years, will provide tours and insights into Toyota’s sustainability initiatives and the pivotal role of hydrogen in achieving a zero-emissions future.
Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), emphasized the importance of Toyota’s efforts: “Toyota’s investment in hydrogen technology is an example of the innovation needed to accelerate the development of zero-emission transportation options as we decarbonize the goods movement sector.”
With H2HQ, Toyota reinforces its leadership in hydrogen technology, furthering its mission to create a cleaner, more sustainable world through innovative solutions.
