Toyota has unveiled its prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux pick-up, developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding.
A total of three high-pressure fuel tanks are used, giving the Hilux an expected driving range of more than 365 miles – significantly further than might be achieved with a battery electric system.
Its 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 Toyota with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies and Thatcham Research.
Funding was subsequently gained from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which enabled the start of an intense design and development programme from July 2022, with additional support from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
Prototype construction began in June this year, working to Toyota Production System principles in a dedicated area inside Toyota UK’s plant in Burnaston, Derby.
The new powertrain uses core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon and when driven, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions other than pure water.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, said: “The UK Government funding has enabled us not only to develop a new vehicle in record time, but also to upskill our teams to work on hydrogen-related technologies, something we hope to build on in the future.
“This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets.”
