Testing begins for fuel cell Toyota Hilux

Five vehicles are undergoing rigorous field testing to assess safety, performance, functionality and durability, generating test drive data in real-world situations. And five further units are being used in customer and media demonstrations, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.

Findings from the project will contribute to the next generation of fuel cell technology, which will offer longer lifecycles, increased driving range for vehicles and significantly reduced costs, backed by Toyota’s 30 years of research and development into hydrogen fuel cells.

The first prototype vehicle was unveiled by Toyota and its consortium partners in September 2023, supported by UK government funding. The prototype uses Toyota’s latest second-generation fuel cell technology already seen in the Mirai saloon to transform the ICE Hilux into a fuel cell electric vehicle that would deliver a much-needed solution to plug a gap in fleet electrification plans.

The fuel cell Hilux retains the same dimensions and appearance as the latest model but incorporates three high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks, mounted within the ladder frame chassis. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack contains 330 cells and is mounted above the front axle. The fuel cell Hilux is rear-wheel drive via an electric motor on the rear axle which delivers 182hp/134kW of maximum power and 300Nm maximum torque. When driving, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions, only pure water.

The lithium-ion battery, which stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell, is positioned in the rear load deck, avoiding loss of cabin space.

The fuel cell Hilux has an expected driving range of up to 600km (372 miles) – further than might be achieved with a battery electric system. Meanwhile, thanks to hydrogen’s light weight, a higher payload and towing capability can be achieved compared to other zero-emission alternatives.

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