Toyota’s innovative project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux pickup truck has reached its final phase, marking a significant step towards the company’s vision of a zero-carbon future. The initiative, supported by UK Government funding, has moved from the initial prototype stage, unveiled in September 2023, to intensive prototype evaluation and demonstration.
The project underscores Toyota’s comprehensive strategy for carbon neutrality, incorporating various powertrain technologies such as hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric, fuel cell electric, and e-fuels to meet diverse user needs and local infrastructure requirements.
At Toyota’s Burnaston facility in Derbyshire, ten fuel cell Hilux prototypes have been constructed. Five of these vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to evaluate safety, performance, functionality, and durability in real-world conditions. The remaining five are engaged in customer and media demonstrations, including an upcoming showcase at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These activities are crucial in laying the groundwork for a successful hydrogen transport sector.
Insights from the Hilux project will integrate with Toyota’s 30 years of hydrogen fuel cell research to enhance future fuel cell technology. This advancement is expected to yield longer lifecycles, increased driving ranges, and significantly reduced costs.
Toyota anticipates that Europe will become one of the largest hydrogen fuel markets by 2030, with substantial growth in mobility and power generation applications. Reflecting this vision, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced the establishment of Hydrogen Factory Europe in December 2023, demonstrating a coordinated approach to the technology’s commercialization, from development and production to sales and after-sales services.
The hydrogen fuel cell Hilux project is a crucial milestone in Toyota’s journey to foster hydrogen technology and expand hydrogen ecosystems and infrastructure across Europe. The Hilux fuel cell prototype exemplifies Toyota’s legendary reliability and durability, integrating advanced hydrogen technology to offer an expected driving range of up to 600 km. With its robust design, the fuel cell Hilux aims to surpass the capabilities of battery electric systems, providing a higher payload and towing capacity due to the lightweight nature of hydrogen.
