Toyota equips a Hilux with a hydrogen fuel cell

Toyota unveiled at the Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) auto plant in Derby, England, a prototype of an electric Hilux equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell.

Toyota takes a new step forward in its multi-technology strategy to achieve zero carbon mobility. To this end, the Japanese manufacturer is relying on three different types of powertrains: hybrid, 100% electric, and fuel cell, to meet the diverse needs of users and various operating conditions worldwide.

This Hilux pick-up was developed as part of a joint project with partners from a consortium supported by UK government funding. The Hilux is a global icon of Toyota, renowned for its exceptional reliability and durability. The project focused on maintaining all its dynamic features by adopting a new emission-zero fuel cell powertrain.

This new powertrain uses components derived from the Toyota Mirai, which has been on the market for over 10 years. When the vehicle is running, the fuel cell produces no exhaust emissions other than pure water. Hydrogen is stored in three high-pressure tanks located within the chassis, giving the prototype Hilux a range of over 600 km, much greater than what could be achieved with a traditional battery electric motor. On the Hilux, the hybrid battery, which stores electricity produced onboard by the fuel cell, is positioned on the rear bed, thus avoiding loss of space inside the cabin. However, the bed becomes unusable, which is unfortunate for a utility pickup, but let’s be tolerant—this is only a prototype. Rest assured, it will have many successors, based on Hilux or other models.

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