The total system weight for hydrogen (tank + hydrogen) for a class 8 truck capable of a range of 500 miles is 16% of the weight that an EV battery pack would be that delivers the same range - even though the EV is considerably more efficient. That decrease in weight is extra payload that can be delivered.
Because this application is limited to commercial traffic, we don't need to worry about an expansive hydrogen distribution network like we would have to do with non-commercial vehicles. Also, Toyota's hydrogen pumps are designed to fill at the rate of diesel - so the trucks can be easily refilled.
The bottom line is I don't think this is an either/or decision. I think there are some applications for which hydrogen makes more sense, and there are some applications for which EV makes more sense.
Because this application is limited to commercial traffic, we don't need to worry about an expansive hydrogen distribution network like we would have to do with non-commercial vehicles. Also, Toyota's hydrogen pumps are designed to fill at the rate of diesel - so the trucks can be easily refilled.
The bottom line is I don't think this is an either/or decision. I think there are some applications for which hydrogen makes more sense, and there are some applications for which EV makes more sense.