Hydrogen Fuel Cell Toyota Hilux Prototype Development Starts

Driven by evolving customer demand and Toyota’s holistic approach to mobility across all sectors, the company has identified a new opportunity in the commercial vehicle market in terms of a zero-emissions product offering.

Toyota successfully applied for APC funding last year, presenting a project to contribute to the development of new, cleaner technologies and mobility solutions. The APC plays a fundamental role in the UK automotive landscape and offers unique opportunities to bridge the gap between industry and future technological requirements. This funding specifically supports later-stage R&D that takes a product from proof of concept to prototype vehicles.

The consortium, led by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (TMUK) will receive funding to cover the development of a fuel cell-powered Hilux. In collaboration with highly skilled UK-based technical engineering partners, namely Ricardo, ETL, D2H and Thatcham Research, the project’s aim is to adopt second-generation Toyota fuel cell components (as used in the latest Toyota Mirai) for the transformation of a Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle. While TMUK is leading the project, a team from Toyota Motor Europe (TME) R&D will provide expert technical support to enable the UK-based teams to build their own expertise and self-sufficiency to develop next-generation hydrogen drivetrain capabilities.

For over 20 years, Toyota has been promoting a multi-path approach to carbon neutrality by offering a diverse vehicle line-up including all electrified technologies, Hybrid Electric, Plug-in Hybrid Electric, Battery Electric and Fuel Cell Electric. The development of a successful hydrogen transport sector is an essential building block towards this goal. Within the scope of the bid, the initial prototype vehicles will be produced at the TMUK site in Burnaston during 2023.

Following successful performance results, the target is to prepare for small series production. This project represents an exciting opportunity to investigate an additional application of Toyota’s fuel cell technology in a vehicle segment that is key to a number of industry groups and will help support the sector’s move towards decarbonisation.