The Toyota Hilux FCEV will not be launched until 2026, but we have already had the opportunity to test drive one of its rolling demonstrators. The intermediate goals, fuel cell integration, and driving are all achieved.
Launched in July 2022, the Toyota Hilux H2 pickup project has become a reality after passing through various stages of development, evaluation, and demonstration. While there is still a long way to go, the project is well underway; proof of this is that Automobile-Propre was one of the few guests invited by Toyota to drive the Hilux H2 and discuss the project’s progress with its engineers.
For its part, the first running Hilux H2 hit the road in July 2023, and the ten existing units have already met the mid-project goals. This project aims to market these H2 pickups in 2026, with two of them being showcased at the Paris Olympics this summer alongside equestrian events.
Utilizing the technological components of the Mirai, this Toyota Hilux FCEV is developed in the UK by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK with local partners (Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, and Thatcham Research) and financial support from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), a government-supported organization in the UK.
The integration of the fuel cell, its thermal systems, batteries, and hydrogen tanks was not easy, but the demonstration goal has been achieved: under a shorter front hood than that of a Mirai, installing the fuel cell posed challenges for both thermal management and the placement of other components such as steering and braking systems. To save space, the front axle was removed, and at this stage of the project, the Hilux H2 is now rear-wheel drive only.
The three hydrogen tanks, each weighing 2.6 kg, are housed in the chassis, while the batteries are located in a compartment in the front of the cargo bed. The fuel cell used is referred to as generation 2.5, identical to that of the current Mirai.
Development in the UK
The Toyota Hilux FCEV project has seen the first running Hilux H2 in July 2023, and the ten existing units have already achieved the assigned objectives in the middle of the project. The aim is to market these H2 pickups in 2026. Two of them will be on display at the Paris Olympics this summer during equestrian events.
Leveraging the technological components from the Mirai, this Toyota Hilux FCEV is being developed in the UK by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in collaboration with local partners and with financial backing from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), a UK government-supported organization.
The integration of the fuel cell, its thermal systems, batteries, and hydrogen tanks was a challenge, but the goal of the demonstration has been achieved. Despite the space constraints, the Hilux H2 is moving forward as a significant step in Toyota’s fuel cell technology development.
The fuel cell technology used in the Hilux H2 demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to sustainable transportation and showcases their advancements in the field of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
As Toyota moves towards commercializing the Hilux FCEV by 2026, there are additional targets set, such as installing a third-generation fuel cell that is more compact, reduces hydrogen consumption by 20%, and cuts costs by 37% for a sales volume of 100,000 units. Toyota also promises an increased range of over 600 km with the new fuel cell, allowing the Hilux to regain its four-wheel drive capabilities.
The Toyota Hilux FCEV is poised to blend its current professional capabilities with emission-free driving for nearly 600 km, offering a promising future for sustainable transportation. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the coming years.