Isuzu and Toyota reveal next-generation hydrogen bus ERGA FCV
Isuzu Motors has given the world its first look at the ERGA FCV, a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell city bus co-developed with Toyota Motor Corporation.
Unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 later this month, the ERGA FCV is being shown in full for the first time. The design closely follows Isuzu’s flat-floor ERGA EV battery-electric bus but replaces the battery pack with Toyota’s latest fuel-cell system and roof-mounted hydrogen tanks.
That compact rooftop integration allows the bus to keep its fully flat, barrier-free interior, improving accessibility and passenger flow. The fuel-cell stack combines hydrogen with oxygen from the air to generate electricity for the traction motor, producing only water vapour from the exhaust.
Isuzu said the hydrogen system offers the same smooth, quiet driving experience as its electric sibling – but with refuelling in minutes rather than hours.
The ERGA FCV will go on display as a reference exhibit in the Tokyo Future Tour 2035 showcase at Tokyo Big Sight from 30 October to 9 November.
Toyota and Isuzu first confirmed their hydrogen bus partnership in September 2025, with production due to start in 2026 at J-Bus’s Utsunomiya plant in Tochigi Prefecture.
The project builds on the two companies’ shared strategy to expand zero-emission options for urban transport, combining Toyota’s experience from its long-running Sora fuel cell bus with Isuzu’s established city-bus platform.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has designated several “Priority Regions” to accelerate commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including buses. Toyota and Isuzu said they plan to work with local governments and operators in these regions to help fleets decarbonise without compromising operational flexibility.
Under its mid-term business plan, Isuzu Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX), Isuzu said it aims to advance carbon neutrality through partnerships and multiple powertrain pathways – including battery-electric, hybrid and now hydrogen.
