Toyota Unveils Groundbreaking Hydrogen-Fueled Hilux Pickup Truck
Toyota has unveiled an exciting new prototype of their popular Hilux pickup truck, powered by a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell system.
This groundbreaking vehicle, showcased at Toyota's Burnaston car plant in Derby, offers an expected driving range of over 365 miles while emitting zero emissions from its tailpipe.
The prototype has been developed in collaboration with consortium partners, as announced in December 2022, and has received government funding.
By incorporating Toyota's latest second-generation fuel cell technology, already utilized in the Mirai saloon, the Hilux has been transformed into a fuel cell electric vehicle that addresses the need for fleet electrification.
Featuring three high-pressure fuel tanks, the prototype utilizes a rear load deck to house the battery, which stores the electricity produced by the fuel cell. In addition to its long range, the fuel cell technology offers quick refueling times, making it a viable alternative to traditional electric pickups.
With nearly a decade of commercial production under its belt, this powertrain technology has a proven track record of reliability. The prototype has been engineered to match the durability and robustness of the standard Hilux.
The first vehicle was completed within three weeks, and a total of 10 vehicles will be built by the end of this year. These vehicles will undergo rigorous testing for safety, performance, functionality, and durability to assess their potential for production.
Toyota's multi-technology strategy, aiming for carbon-free mobility, includes various powertrain options such as hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, and now fuel cell electric vehicles. This strategy allows Toyota to tailor their offerings to suit the diverse needs and operating environments of users worldwide.
Richard Kenworthy, managing director at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, commented on the project's success and the support received from government funding, saying, "This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets."
The project is being supported by government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), with consortium partners including Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, and Thatcham Research.
Can't wait for this new technology, check out our latest pickup deals here.
