KATHMANDU: Toyota has unveiled the second-generation Sora hydrogen fuel cell bus with a driving range of more than 300 kilometers. The new model offers around 50% more range than its predecessor, despite carrying less hydrogen.
Developed in partnership with Isuzu, the new Sora uses Toyota’s latest hydrogen fuel cell system to generate electricity. The bus is based on the Isuzu ERGA EV, which was introduced in 2024. Isuzu is also preparing its own hydrogen-powered ERGA FCV.
The bus is equipped with two electric motors that produce a combined 295 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. It also gets an 88 kWh lithium-ion battery. The hydrogen fuel cell system can generate up to 113 kW of power.
The new Sora has three hydrogen tanks mounted on the roof, with a combined capacity of 471 liters. Refueling takes around 10 minutes. Toyota says future hydrogen stations could reduce the refueling time by half.
The bus can also supply electricity to external devices through its high-voltage battery. This allows it to serve as an emergency power source during natural disasters and prolonged power outages.
The Sora features a flat floor to improve passenger accessibility. An optional one-touch wheelchair securing system is also available. Toyota will offer four variants, with two designed for urban routes and two for suburban services.
In terms of safety, the bus gets an Emergency Driver Stop System (EDSS) and a Driver Status Monitor (DSM). These systems can stop the bus if they detect that the driver is unable to continue driving.
Toyota plans to begin production in fiscal year 2026, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027. The bus will be manufactured by J-Bus, a joint venture between Isuzu and Hino Motors, at its plant in Utsunomiya, Japan.
