Hydrogen Hilux revealed

Toyota has debuted a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric Hilux ute estimated to have more than 600km range.

It was revealed at Toyota Manufacturing United Kingdom’s (TMUK) vehicle plant in Derby, England, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding.

Toyota’s multi-path strategy for achieving carbon-free mobility includes different powertrain solutions – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), battery electric (BEV) and fuel cell electric (FCEV) – to suit different user needs and operating environments worldwide.

The new hydrogen powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai FCEV sedan and the only emission is water.

Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure fuel tanks, giving the prototype Hilux an expected driving range of more than 600km.

The hybrid battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

The project began in early 2022 with a feasibility study undertaken by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe.

Funding was subsequently gained from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation supporting the development of cleaner technologies and new mobility concepts.

This enabled the start of an intense design and development programme from July 1, 2022, with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, Thatcham Research and additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

Prototype construction began on June 5 this year and the first vehicle completed three weeks later, the first of 10 that will be built by the end of this year.

These will undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety, dynamic performance, functionality and durability meet the high standards required of a production model.

Ricardo will undertake complete evaluation of the vehicle over the coming months, prior to a decision on a potential production model being introduced in the second half of this decade, says Toyota.

EVs and Beyond earlier reported on a converted Hilux being used to help fight EV fires.