Isuzu launches its first fuel cell route bus, the ERGA FCV
—Expanding powertrain options to help build a hydrogen society—

YOKOHAMA, Japan, October 5, 2026 — Isuzu Motors Limited (headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; President and CEO: Naohiro Yamaguchi; hereinafter “Isuzu”) announced the launch of the ERGA FCV, a hydrogen-powered heavy-duty fuel cell (FC) route bus. With the introduction of its first FC bus, Isuzu is expanding its lineup of zero-emission vehicles to meet the energy policies of national and local governments as well as the needs of bus operators, thereby contributing to the decarbonization of public transportation.

The ERGA FCV is a heavy-duty FC route bus jointly developed by Isuzu and Toyota Motor Corporation (headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan; President: Kenta Kon; hereinafter “Toyota”). Based on the ERGA EV, a BEV*¹ fully flat-floor route bus launched in 2024, Isuzu was responsible for the vehicle planning, development, and body design, while Toyota developed the FC system.

As the transition toward carbon neutrality accelerates, the public transportation sector has seen growing demand for a diverse range of zero-emission vehicles tailored to regional energy policies and market needs. FCVs, which are powered by hydrogen, produce no CO₂ emissions while driving and can be refueled quickly, making them a compelling option for route bus operations that require high vehicle utilization. With the introduction of the ERGA FCV, Isuzu now offers customers an FCV option alongside BEVs, meeting diverse customer needs while helping build a hydrogen society.

The ERGA FCV generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in its tanks and oxygen from the air in the FC stack. The electricity generated powers the vehicle’s motor. It is equipped with an FC stack delivering a maximum output of 113 kW and three 157-liter high-pressure hydrogen tanks, enabling hydrogen refueling in approximately 10 minutes*². The ERGA FCV significantly reduces energy replenishment time—one of the challenges associated with BEVs—while emitting only water and no CO₂ while driving. Like BEVs, it offers quiet, low-vibration operation. Furthermore, by compactly mounting the FC system and high-pressure hydrogen tanks on the roof, the ERGA FCV achieves fully flat interior floor, just like the ERGA EV, for excellent accessibility.

Under its mid-term business plan, ISUZU Transformation—Growth to 2030 (IX), Isuzu is advancing carbon-neutral solutions through a multi-pathway approach. Isuzu will continue working together with its customers toward the realization of a sustainable society through a diverse lineup of vehicles with a range of powertrain options.

*1 Battery Electric Vehicle
*2 Refueling time varies depending on the capacity of the hydrogen refueling station

Key features

[Environmental performance]

• Generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting no CO₂ while driving – only water.

[Safety]

• Equipped with the Front Blind Spot Monitor, a safety system that detects pedestrians and cyclists ahead of the vehicle and alerts the driver.
• Equipped with EDSS*³, which works in conjunction with DSM*⁴. If the system detects that the driver becomes incapacitated, it automatically decelerates and brings the vehicle to a stop. Once stopped, the parking brake is automatically engaged to ensure safety, even on slopes.

[Product features]

• Features a fully flat floor that enhances passenger mobility and provides excellent accessibility.

• An optional one-touch wheelchair securing system reduces the burden to the passenger and driver when assisting wheelchair passengers during boarding and securing.

[Convenience]

• Hydrogen refueling can be completed in approximately 10 to minutes.
• Equipped with an external power supply function, enabling the vehicle to serve as an emergency power source in the event of disasters or other emergencies.

*3 Emergency Driving Stop System
*4 Driver Status Monitor