Toyota's Innovative Hydrogen-Powered Pickup: Silent Movement on Rough Terrains
Key Ideas
- Toyota has developed 10 FCEV prototypes of the Hilux pickup in the UK, featuring a hydrogen powertrain sourced from the Mirai and offering 20% more range at a lower cost.
- The prototypes will undergo field testing and be showcased in customer and media demonstrations, including the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, highlighting the advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
- The hydrogen-powered pickup maintains the exterior design of the regular model but features a sophisticated powertrain with hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell stack, a lithium-ion battery, and an electric motor for silent and eco-friendly operation on rough terrains.
- Toyota's commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology extends to developing scalable fuel cell stacks and various tank shapes for different vehicle types, with plans to implement the third generation of fuel cell technology in production models by 2026-2027, offering increased range and cost efficiency.
Toyota has unveiled 10 prototypes of the Hilux pickup powered by a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) powertrain sourced from the Mirai. These prototypes, built in Derby, UK, are part of a project to explore the use of hydrogen fuel cells in a pickup. The innovative powertrain includes three hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell stack, a lithium-ion battery, and a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. This setup allows the pickup to travel 600 km between refuelings, emitting zero tailpipe emissions and without relying on a charging network. The project, initiated in December 2022 and progress to the demonstration phase, signifies Toyota's advancements in sustainable transportation. Five prototypes will undergo field testing, while the remaining five will be used for demonstrations, including at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The integration of hydrogen technology in the pickup maintains its external appearance while offering a cleaner and more sophisticated powertrain compared to traditional diesel models. Toyota's dedication to hydrogen fuel cell technology is evident in its research on scalable fuel cell stacks and hydrogen tank variations to ensure compatibility across different vehicle platforms. By aiming to introduce the third generation of fuel cell technology by 2026-2027, Toyota anticipates a 20% increase in range and a reduction in costs, strengthening its position in the hydrogen-powered vehicle market. This move aligns with Toyota's multi-pathway approach that includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and internal combustion engines with e-fuels, with a particular focus on the growing market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Europe by 2030.