A Long Voyage Fueled by Hydrogen Connecting Thailand and Hokkaido
In a significant step towards carbon neutrality, Toyota and Thailand's largest private company, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), have joined forces to explore the potential of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. This partnership, announced in December 2020, is a part of the Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) and includes several other Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers.
The collaboration, which is taking place on a shop floor in Thailand, may look familiar to Japanese viewers. A hydrogen-powered forklift is being used to load hydrogen cylinders onto a hydrogen fuel truck, demonstrating the practicality of hydrogen technology in commercial applications. An FCEV heavy-duty truck is also being driven as part of the collaboration, suggesting a potential chemistry between hydrogen and heavy-duty trucks.
CJPT held a test drive event in Thailand in March 2023, showcasing commercial vehicles powered by different powertrains, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. This event involved government officials, media, and partner corporations to demonstrate readiness for carbon-neutral commercial mobility solutions.
The partnership emphasizes integrating energy supply solutions, logistics, vehicle provisioning, and data services as part of a holistic approach toward carbon neutrality in the transport sector in Thailand. The collaboration is focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of hydrogen technology.
Further possibilities for biogas are also being explored as part of this ambitious project. If successful, this spectacle could become an everyday sight, shaping the future of commercial vehicles in Thailand and potentially worldwide.
The location of the shop floor is in Thailand, but the implications of this collaboration extend beyond the country's borders. The partnership is working towards the vision of a hydrogen society, and Japanese-made "future tuk-tuks" are in development as part of this vision.
Charoen Pokphand Group is actively strengthening its core businesses and strategic positioning in Thailand and Asia, which could facilitate enhanced capacity for such sustainability collaborations.
While there are no specific recent announcements detailing deployment timelines or commercial launch of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles by Toyota and CP, the ongoing activities and the test drive events indicate accelerating efforts in trial, demonstration, and partnership expansion stages.
Staff cafeterias around the world are featured in Toyota Times, showcasing diverse menus and cultures. This collaboration between Toyota and CP is another step in Toyota's commitment to creating a better future for all, not just through the technology they develop, but also through their partnerships and the values they uphold.
[1] Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation. (2023). Press Release: CJPT Holds Test Drive Event in Thailand to Showcase Commercial Vehicles Powered by Various Powertrains. Retrieved from https://www.cjpt.co.jp/en/news/2023/0331_1/
[2] Charoen Pokphand Group. (2025). Annual Report 2024: Strengthening Our Core Businesses and Strategic Positioning. Retrieved from https://www.cp.co.th/en/annualreport/
[3] Toyota Motor Corporation. (2025). Sustainability Report 2024: Towards a Hydrogen Society. Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/report/2024/
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