Isuzu Teams Up with Toyota to Showcase Erga FCV Hydrogen Bus

KatadataOTO – Isuzu is ready to enliven the electrified commercial vehicle segment at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

Instead of an electric-powered vehicle, Isuzu's newest product this time is a bus with hydrogen or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) technology.

The bus, named Erga FCV, uses the base of a previous model which was a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or a pure electric-powered vehicle.

The Isuzu Erga FCV was developed jointly with Toyota Motor Corporation, where Isuzu is responsible for the planning, development, and design of the bus.

Photo : Isuzu

Meanwhile, Toyota is said to have developed the Fuel Cell system and its tank, which are efficiently placed in the bus's roof structure.

Regarding its operation, the Isuzu Erga FCV generates electricity from the induction of a chemical reaction between the hydrogen in the tank and the oxygen in the fuel cell component.

The result of this reaction is then used to power the bus's drive motor.

Fuel cell vehicles also offer much faster charging times than electric buses.

The driving sensation offered remains similar to an electric bus due to minimal vibration and noise.

The bus is planned to be used for transportation on routes in Japan, similar to Transjakarta.

The unit debuting at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 on the upcoming October 30 will be a prototype.

However, Isuzu will begin its production process in the 2026 fiscal year, the period from April 2025 to March 2026, at the Utsunomiya facility, a joint venture between Isuzu-Hino.

In Indonesia, Isuzu is not yet willing to sell electric or hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles for several reasons.

According to Isuzu, there needs to be adequate charging station infrastructure to support the operation of electrified commercial vehicles.

Photo : Isuzu

Especially since the vehicles in question are used for high-level mobility such as buses and trucks, covering specific long-distance routes almost non-stop.

Additionally, there needs to be an adjustment in driving style for Isuzu's electrified products to help maintain their electric or hydrogen efficiency.

Therefore, Isuzu is still conducting in-depth studies and preparations from various aspects, including the charging ecosystem.