Toyota HiLux Hydrogen Prototypes Paving the Way for Future Hydrogen Technology Expansion
Key Ideas
- Toyota has completed the production of 10 hydrogen fuel-cell HiLux prototypes in the UK, with 5 undergoing rigorous field testing and the other 5 used for demonstrations.
- The hydrogen HiLux prototypes feature technology from the Mirai FCEV, with high-pressure fuel tanks, a fuel cell stack, and a lithium-ion battery, offering a claimed 600km range.
- Toyota sees hydrogen technology as crucial for the future, investing heavily in its development since 1992 and expecting Europe to be a leading hydrogen fuel market by 2030.
- The project, funded by Toyota and a consortium with UK Government support, aims to pave the way for further hydrogen technology and infrastructure expansion across Europe.
Toyota has finalized the creation of a fleet of hydrogen fuel-cell HiLux vehicles in the UK, with a total of 10 prototypes now undergoing assessment. Five of these prototypes are being rigorously tested in real-world conditions to evaluate safety, performance, functionality, and durability. Meanwhile, the other five are being utilized for customer and media demonstrations, including appearances at major events like the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These hydrogen HiLux prototypes resemble the standard HiLux extra cab ute in appearance but incorporate advanced technology from the Mirai FCEV. They are equipped with three high-pressure fuel tanks, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack mounted above the front axle, and a lithium-ion battery for storing produced electricity. With a single electric motor on the rear axle generating 134kW of power and 300Nm of torque, these prototypes claim a range of 600km, surpassing what a battery-electric HiLux could achieve.
Toyota's significant investment in hydrogen technology, dating back to 1992, indicates its commitment to shaping Europe's hydrogen fuel market, projected to be one of the largest by 2030. The HiLux prototype project is deemed pivotal in advancing hydrogen technology and infrastructure expansion across the continent, serving as a crucial stepping stone in this development.
The project, supported by a consortium of partners and funding from the UK Government, marks a strategic initiative to promote the adoption of hydrogen technology. While the timeline for public release of hydrogen HiLuxes remains undisclosed, Toyota's efforts encompass not just hydrogen-powered vehicles but also plans for a battery-electric version of the HiLux, set to hit the market in Thailand by the end of 2025.